NEW ZEALANDERS PRAISED

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2945, 4 December 1916, Page 8

NEW ZEALANDERS PRAISED

THEIR ACTION ON THE SOMME GENERAL HAWLINSON'S TRIBUTE ' From an officer who was in command of one of New Zealand's fighting units in the great Somme Push, which was as big as fifty battles and fifty vie-' tories in one, we have obtained the copy lie received in his official capacity, of General Sir H. S. Rawlinsou's "Order of the Day," issued October 7, the day after the Now Zealanders were withdrawn from the battle. General Itawlinson says: New Zealand Division. "I desire to express to ail ranks of the New Zealand Division my hearty congratulations on tho excellent work they have done during the Battle of the Somme. "On three successive occasions, September 15 and 25 and October 1 ; they attacked the hostile positions with the greatest gallantry and vigour,' capturing in each attack every objective' that had been, allotted to them. More than this, they gained possession of ; and held, several strong points in advance and beyond tho furthest objectives that had been allotted to them. "The endurance and fine fighting spirit of the division has heen beyond praise, and their successes in the Piers neighbourhood will rank high amongst the best achievements of the British Army "The control and direction of tho division during these operations have been conducted with skill and precision, whilst the artillery support in establishing tho barrages and defeating counter-attacks has been in every way most effective. "It is a matter of regrot to me that this fine division is leaving the Fourth Army* and I trust that on some future occasion it may again he my good fortune to find them under my command. "(Signed) H. S. B. RAWLINSON, "General Commanding Fourth Army. . "H.Q., Fourth Army, "October 7, 1916."