ROYAL THOUGHTS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20035, 6 September 1939, Page 5

ROYAL THOUGHTS

BRITISH SERVICES NAVY AND ARMY MESSAGES FROM KING GALLANT DEVOTION PRAYER FOR SUCCESS (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Sept. 6, 9 a.m.) v LONDON, Sept. 4. The King has sent the following message to the Navy: “Once again the Royal Navy has assumed the protection of the Empire on the seas of the world, and I would like to assure you of my conviction that, whatever the future has in store, its conduct and courage will add lustre to its long history. “It was my high privilege to see service with them when they were last on active service. My thoughts will always be with them now.” . The King, in- a message to the Army, said: “In all its long and glorious history, the British Army has never been called to take the field for a cause more just- than that which is to-day. It has never entered a campaign of which the issues were more grave, more vital for the future of our race, and indeed, for all civilisation.

“I know (yell that you realise what is at stake and that in the struggle ahead every man of my armies will play his part with gallant devotion. It is my earnest prayer, ‘God have you in his keeping and grant success to your arms.’ ”

The Secretary of State for War, Mr. L. Hore-Belisha, replied on behalf of every soldier, whatever his rank. In a message to the Royal Air Force His Majesty said: “The Royal Air Force has behind it a tradition no less inspiring than those of the older services and, in' the campaign which we are compelled to undertake, you will assume responsibilities far greater than those your service had to shoulder in the last war, one of the gravest of which will be the safeguarding of these islands from the menace of the air. “I assure all ranks of the Air Force of my supreme confidence in their skill, courage and ability to meet whatever calls may -be made on them.”