BATTLE FOR THE RIGHT

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 254, 24 September 1940, Page 7

BATTLE FOR THE RIGHT

BRITAIN IN FRONT LINE

KING’S INSPIRING SPEECH

(United Press Association.—Copyright.—Pec, 11 a.m.)

(British. Official Wireless.) ■ RUGBY, Sept. 23

“It is just, over a year now since the war began. The British peoples entered it with open eyes, recognising how formidable were the forces against them, but confident in the justice of their cause. Now, after a year, let us consider together where we stand.”-

In these words His Majesty the King began a stirring broadcast speech this evening which was heard all over the world. ‘'Much has happened since September, 1939,” His Majesty proceeded. “Great nations have fallen in the battle vhieh at that time was so far away that we could only just hear its rumbling. Now, at our. very doors, the armies of invasion are massed across the Channel only 20 miles from our shores. The air fleets of the enemy launch their attacks day and night against our cities. •

AMPLE SUPPORT

“We stand in the front line to.'champion those liberties and traditions, that are our heritage,” said His Majesty. “As we brace ourselves for battle there is much to encourage us. We have .with us brave contingents from forces of our Allies. We have behind us the goodwill of all who love freedom. Our friends in America have shown us this in many ways, not the least by their gifts for the relief of suffering in this war.

“Nearer home, in the British Commonwealth itself, the struggle of tho Mother Country has been made the struggle of a whole family: Prom every part of it men and material areicoming in increasing flow, and there is an eager desire to share in the sacrifices which will bring us victory.

“In this Battle'for Britain London, the mighty capital of the Empire, occupies the forefront, but others of our cities 1 are being subjected to barbarous attacks. Our sympathy goes out to them all, but it is London that is for the time being bearing the brunt of the enemy's spite. CIVILIAN COURAGE PRAISED.

“I am speaking now from Buckingham Palace, with its honourable scars, to Londoners first of all, though, of course, my words apply equally to all British cities, towns, arid hamlets who are enduring the same dangers. The Queen and I have seen many places here which have i been most heavily bombed and many of our people who have suffered and are suffering most. Our hearts are with them to-night. Their courage and cheerfulness, and their faith in their country’s cause and final victory, are an inspiration to the rest to persevere. “To the men and women who carry on the work of the A.R..P. services f should like to say a special word of gratitude. The devotion of these civilian, workers, firemen, . .salvage men, and many others in the face of grave and constant danger has .won new renown for the British name. These men and women are worthy partners of, our Armed Forces and our policeof ,the Navy, once more, as so often before, our sure shield, and the Merchant Navy, of the Army and the Home Guard, alert- and eager to repel any invaders, and of the Air I’ or c e > whose exploits are the wonder of the world. /

HEROES OF HOME FRONT. “To-night, indeed, we are agnation on guard and in the line. Each task, each bit of duty done, however simple and domestic, is part of our war work. It takes rank with the sailors’ duty, tho soldiers’ and

NEW DECORATIONS.

airmen’s duty. The men and women in the factories or on the railways who work ,on regardless of danger though the sirens are sounded, maintaining all the services and the necessities of common life, and keeping the fighting line well supplied with weapons, earn their place among the heroes of this war. “No less honour is due to all those who, night after night, uncomplainingly endure discomfort, hardship and peril in their homes and shelters.

“Many and glorious are the deeds of gallantry done during these perilous but famous days. In order that they should be worthily and promptly recognised I have decided to create at once a new mark of'honour for men and women in all walks of civilian life.

“I propose, to give my name to the new distinction which will consist of the George Gross, ranking next to the Victoria Cross, and the George Medal, for wider distribution.

“As we look around us we see on every side that, in the hour of her trial, the Mother City, is proving herself t<s be built as a city of unity. In 'itself it is not walls that make a city, but the people who live within. The walls of London may be battered, but the spirit of Londoners stands resolute and undismayed. “As in London, so tliroughout Britain. Buildings rich in beauty and historic interest may be wantonly attacked. Humbler houses, no less dear and familiar, may be destroyed but ‘there’ll always be an England to stand before tho world as the symbol and citadel of freedom and to be oui own dear home. FOUL NAZI DEED.

“And here I would like to tell sorrowing parents how deeply we grieve for them in the loss of their young ones in the ship which was torpedoed without .warning in mid-Atlantic, said the King. ‘‘Surely the world could have no clearer oroof of the wickedness against which we fight than this foul deed.

“We live in grim times and it may be that the future. will be grimmer yet. The winter lies before us, cold and dark, but let us be of good cheer. After the winter comes the spring, and after our present trials will assuredly come victory, and release from theej? evil things. Let us then put our trust, as I do, in God, and in the unconquerable spirit ot the British peoples.” SPOKE FROM SHELTER. His Majesty broadcast from an underground shelter of Buckingham Palace during an air raid warning.