NEW ZEALAND'S PART

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 98, 16 August 1945, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND'S PART

PROUD RECORD OF SERVICE FIGHTING QUALITIES UNSURPASSED The part played by the Dominion in the war is in harmony with the established loyalty of her people to the Homeland throughout her short century of history. As in the South African war and later in the first World War ( her presence was spontaneous and generous. The first of the Dominions to stand by the Mother Country in her declaration of war on Nazi New Zealand's first echelon went overseas a short six months later tj take up its position in the familiar Middle East. By the end of J941 no less than 55,000 men had been sent overseas. The record of the 'Kiwi' division in Greece Crete and in Northern Africa has added new and glorious laurels to our military history. Later in Libya } Sicily and in Italy the New Zea« landers added still greater lustre to their reputation, and were rated by both British and German High Commands as one of the -crack' divisions of the African Army. The total sent overseas (men anltl women) was of whom GOOO were with the Navy } 98 } 000 with the Army and 30,000 with the Air Force. ' An indication of New Zealand's military effort is borne out by the fact that at the end of 1942, and with Japan's sudden entry into the war, our total mobilisation to meet the serious threat to our hornet land was no less than 220,000 or three out of every five males between the ages of 19 and 45. These figures include the iirst-line Home Guard and Territorial units. The exploits of our soldiers, sailors and airmen have made the Dominion's name a by-word all over the world. Maori and Pakeha alike have shown the highest prowess on the field of battle. Remarkable ,deeds of gallantry and unsurpassed bravery have resulted in no less than seven Victoria Crosses being awarded to members of our forces and other awards including mentioned in despatches) totalling 4 237. Casualties sustained in all theatres have not yet been officially released but they were estimated recently at 27 000 including 11,000 killed.