N.Z. DIVISION

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 24, 23 October 1918, Page 4

N.Z. DIVISION

5 . OUT OF THE LINE TWO MONTHS' CASUALTIES, 6900 The Minister of Defence (Sir James . illen) has received'.information that the New Zealand Division is at present resting Tho division. was among the attacking forces of the British Army on the West front for about two months, a very long time, in view of the heavy fighting, and during that period it never failed to accomplish the task assigned to The casualties suffered by the New Zealand Division from August 23 to October 21 numbered (1900. The fact that the division was able to retain its place among General Haig'6 shock troops lottwo months, in spite of these heavy casualties, is another proof of tho military value of tho unbroken' stream of reinforcements from this country. "I regret exceedingly that the numbor of casualties in the division has heen eo large," said the Minister of Defence yesterday, "'but at the same time I share the pride every New Zealander must feel at knowing that the division has been able to meet every call made upon it at this critical stage of the war. Our men have been engaged in the heaviest fighting for an exceptionally long period. Thev have won the highest praise from ; the "officers best qualified to judge their work. And they have been adequately supported the whole timo by reinforcements. Fully trained men have been available to fill the gaps in the ranks. "The suggestion has been made, sometimes that we have sent too many men to the front. The record of tho New Zealand Division this year is full reply to that suggestion. I believe that, the splendid esprit de corps of the division is due in part to the knowledge possessed at all times by all ranks that they are being fully supported by their country, and that there are men behind them to carry on the work and help maintain tho reputation tho New Zealanders have won."