FRIENDSHIPS OF WAR

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 81, 29 December 1934, Page 12

FRIENDSHIPS OF WAR

General Godley Welcomed By Old Comrades By Telegraph.—Press Association. Invercargill, December 2S. Filled with the thought of honouring their old commander-in-chief and proud of the honour of being the first in New Zealand to do so, returned soldiers and Army nurses of Southland assembled in large numbers last evening for an informal welcome to General Sir Alexander and Lady Godley, who were received with, great enthusiasm. It was at the wish of Sir Alexander that he appeared among soldiers as their old comrade-in-arms. He met and shook hands with everybody there, recalling old memories and rejoicing In the company of men whose'welfare had once been placed in his hands. After a short toast-list had been honoured, Sir Alexander presented badges and life menibership tickets in the Invercargill Ret/irned Soldiers’ Association to nurses present. He took supper with g, number of former soldiers. Colonel J. I-largest, M.P.. who was accompanied by Mrs. Hargest, a former member of the Army Nursing Service, presided, and also present were the Mayor, Mr. John Miller, and the Mayoress. The attendance was fully representative, comprising soldiers, padres and nurses. In proposing the toast, “Our Guest,” the chairman said that some of those present had come 50 miles lo see General Godley, who lived in the hearts of the men. They were fortunate in having a man of the calibre of Sir Alexander to lead them. Reference had been made to the evacuation 'of Anzac and Suvla, which was conducted by General Godley and his staff officer, Sir Brudenell White, then Colonel White. There was no doubt that many of them owed their lives to those two men, and their conduct of the evacuation must go down as one of the great military feats of modern times. The chairman concluded by paying a tribute to the work of Lady Godley. In reply. Sir Alexander, who was applauded to the echo, said he was very proud that so many of his comrades of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force bad come to meet him. Ever since the war he bad wanted that chance* He looked on himself as a New Zealand soldier, if they would let him, and he could assure them that one of his happiest memories would be the night he had spent with them. At the conclusion of Sir Alexander’s address the gathering rose and sang heartily, “For He's a Jolly Good Fellow.” Lady Godley also thanked the returned soldiers and nurses for their welcome.