MESSAGE TO DOMINION

Evening Star, Issue 24289, 2 September 1942, Page 4

MESSAGE TO DOMINION

TWO CAPTURED BRIGADIERS TRIBUTES TO THEIR MEN (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Sept. 1. In a statement to-night, the Acting Prime Minister, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, said that just before departure for the United States the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser, had received letters from Brigadier J. Hargest and Brigadier R. Miles, who are now prisoners of war in Italy. “ These officers would, if they were able, communicate with the relatives of those men under their command who in the last engagements were either killed in action or made prisoners of war,” said Mr Sullivan. This, unfortunately, was not possible, he added, but the following fetters from the brigadiers would be a comfort and an inspiration to the relatives of the men concerned l , and, in fact, to all. Following is the letter from Brigadier Hargest, dated April 29: “ The last letter I wrote was concerned with the death of poor Hultquist, since when much has happened, and Grigg and Allen have also gone. Parliament has at least contributed its share in the sacrifice of precious Kves. CONGRATULATED BY ROMMEL. “ Since my last fight on November 27 I have wanted to write to you, but we are strictly limited, and I have asked Mr Jordan to pass on messages to you and our mutual friends. I was most anxious that you should know that I did not fail in the trust you reposed in me Iby appointing me as one of the leaders of our men. In the last battle I knew the dangers _ to which we were exposed. I was given a job to do, to hold a certain area which was vital, and as someone had to do it, I have no complaint of the task. We were few in number, but I did continue to get all who could he spared out of the way and save a lot of transport. I elected, however, that I and my staff should share in whatever befell our troops. “ We were not taken by surprise, but were well warned, and were only overwhelmed by sheer weight after all our guns had been destroyed. No man of ours left his place, and there were many acts of gallantry that, if I live to return, I hope to see rewarded!. The only troops who moved were the gallant men going forward to threatened spots. After it was over—after two hours— Rommel congratulated me on the courage of our men. Grigg fell like a true hero. ' “ I would he grateful if you would tell the people of my unbounded admiration for their soldier relatives, who were never finer than when facing a hopeless situation or in the first sad hours in captivity. It has been a great honour to serve beside them through several campaigns. Please tell them that I regret my inability to express personally my sympathy with those who mourn. Some day I shall. “ Miles, Bishop Gerard, and I held a little Anzac service—just wo three. .They are well. We are treated well. Give my regards to Mrs Fraser, your colleagues, and mutual friends. We think much about New Zealand.” IN GREAT HEART. The following letter has been received from Brigadier Miles, dated March 20:—“I need hardly say how deeply humiliated I am. to be writing to you from captivity. I have been deeply concerned, however, because my present circumstances prevent my writing individually to the relatives of those gallant officers, n.c.o.s, And men who fell while fighting so nobly under my command. My main purpose in writing is, therefore, to ask you by radio, or such means as you think best, to express to their relatives and. friends my deep sympathy with them and my deep appreciation of the good services of those whose loss they mourn. “It is a source of pride to me, as I trust it may be of comfort to mourners, that all ranks of artillery fought nobly and well, and I am confident that their efforts and their sacrifice, though at such heavy cost, largely contributed to the success with which the division withstood for several days the attacks toy superior forces arid was able to go on to eventual success. I do not know the full-tally of our losses, but outstanding among them were Oakes and! Arthur Grigg. Hargest is writing to you with a similar request, and, if by mischance only one or our letters should arrive, would you please act on it, for both of us in reference to our respective commands. “ En route here I was some days on Crete, where there are still many men captured in that battle. They are in great heart, confident of ultimate victory, but need parcels of food and clothing more than those in this country. Our thoughts are with you all m your present anxiety, but we trust the war will not reach our shores. Hargest and Bishop Gerard join me in sending regards.” “ Brigadier Miles refers to the need of prisoners in Crete for parcels or food! and clothing,” Mr Sullivan said. “ I understand, however, that the majority, if not all, of these men have since been removed to prison camps in Germany, where parcels of food and clothing are available for supply to them.”