CERTAIN OF VICTORY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 156, 1 June 1940, Page 8

CERTAIN OF VICTORY.

BRITISH QUALITIES APPARENT. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, May 30. A visit- to Calais was described in a broadcast talk to-night by Vice-Admiral Sir James Somerville, who said: “I know that British courage, British Resolution, and the British refusal to admit defeat will to-day, as in the past, bring us victory, however hard and however fierce the struggle. 1 say this with confidence and with increased certainty, because for the last week I have been on the South-East Coas and have seen with my own eyes how the British face up to adversity. “I went over at night to Calais on one of our destroyers when the garrison was hard-pressed and surrounded by superior forces, but holding on grimly. As we made fast alongside the quay we came under heavy fire. With shells bursting alongside and on the quay, the captain gave the order to cast off, and with coolness and precision backed Ins ship clear of this unhealthy berth and brought her alongside at a spot less exposed to fire. Every order he gave was carried out faithfully and courageously regardless of the bursting shells. “On shore 1 found a very gallant brigadier in command of our troops. He realised to the full the situation in which he was placed and the need for the maintenance of the defence to the last minute. His quiet confidence, his grim determination to hold out to the last man, was an inspiration to everyone there. “There was no thought of sur- ■ render—-no thought but to serve liis country to the utmost of his endeavour and to the last man. This they did. The defence of Calais against overwhelming odds was a magnificent example of British courage.”' ,