FINE PERFORMANCE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 118, 17 April 1940, Page 7

FINE PERFORMANCE

DESPATCH OF TROOPS. VARIETY OF FACTORS. EQUIPMENT PROBLEMS. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (British Official Wireless.) Received April IT, 11.35 a.m. RUGBY, April 16. The building-up of a formidable force properly equipped to undertake the Norwegian campaign is a gradual process, and brilliant results cannot at once be expected. This opinion is expressed in competent military circles, where it is also emphasised that Hie landing of British troops less than a week after the German invasion must be regarded as a highly creditable performance.

Whereas the German stroke had been planned carefully for months, the British military authorities had but a few hours to organise the counterstroke, which necessitated a great variety of considerations as far apart as the type of oil for motor engines and clothing for the personnel. Although landing in a welcoming and friendly country, it will bo ajrpreciated that it is impossible for the expeditionary force to “live on tho land,” a factor the importance of which is increased when it is realised that control points of the railways arc at present in Nazi hands. Consequently it has been necessary to despatch not only the ordinary accompaniments of a modern army, including anti-air-craft defences, and not only provisions, but tho means whereby local transport over tracks and roadless country can be utilised. The British Army is not unused to campaigns of this kind, and, although it is many years ago, the triumph of organisation which culminated in the Battle of Magdala in Abyssinia may bo remembered. (Magdala was taken and destroyed by Sir Robert Napier—Lord Napier of Magdala —on April 13, 1868.) , LANDINGS IN FIORDS. The view that the Allied forces can be landed in many Norwegian fiords, which cut deep into the country is expressed by Sir Charles Wingfield, a former British Minister to Norway. The configuration of the country, he said, lent itself to such possibilities, and with tho Navy giving access to them he felt sure Britain would hear shortly about landings and movements of troops. He was certain that tho Oslo troops had only surrendered through being given treacherous orders not to resist, and, speaking of the Norwegians, lie added: “ One of the essential facts is that they are a very friendly people. Our troops coming to their help will meet with a most friendly reception and will not lack capable guides in their operations. They arc a hardy race.”