CHEERING GREETINGS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20129, 26 December 1939, Page 10

CHEERING GREETINGS

MESSAGES TO FORCES ALLIED WAR LEADERS CONFIDENT OF VICTORY (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Dec. 26, 9 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 23. The Navy, Army and Air Force chiefs, confident of victory, sent messages to the Empire's armed forces on the eve of Christmas. Marshal Gamelin, Supreme Commander of the Allied forces, addressed soldiers of the British Empire, particularly those serving in France under General Lord Gort, Commander-in-Chief of the British Expeditionary Forces: “I send you the warmest Christmas greetings from your comrades of the French Armies,” said Marshal Gamelin. "The festival o, Christmas stands for the future, and our effort in this war is creating the future. That future will be what we all mean it to be for the courage of our men is unconquerable.” A message from Admiral Sir C. M. Forbes, commander-in-chief of the Home Fleet stated: “Together with other officers and men of the Royal and Dominion navies, our comrades in the Army and Royal Air Force, our gallant French and Polish allies, we are denying the enemy the use of the ocean highways, keeping them open for our magnificent merchant navy and fishing fleet so that they can maintain the supplies essential to our existence and which, with your help, will enable us to win the war against a ruthless and unscrupulous enemy. Such a task is not spectacular, but it is the essence of our history and the foundation on which the Empire is built. Offer of . Sympathy “To those who have lost loved ones, we offer sympathy. There is no easy road to victory, but I ask you to believe that we who go down to the sea in ships shall not fail in the task in the coming year.” Lord Gort’s message stated: “Again within the.memory of many, the British Expeditionary Foi’ce is spending Christmas in France again under the leadership of a great soldier of France. The Allied armies stand united to resist aggression. “Difficulties and dangers will undoubtedly arise in the coming year, but they will be surmounted owing to the close British and French understanding and the knowledge that the Empire’s thoughts are with us whethei the weather is fair or foul.’’ The message from Air Chief Marshal Sir Cyril Newall stated: “Whereever they be, members of the Royal Air Fbrce are united in one aimconfident of victory, they are on constant service in defence of the Empire with vigilance and determination.” I