Messages of Sympathy To Relatives of Fallen

Manawatu Times, Volume 67, Issue 209, 2 September 1942, Page 5

Messages of Sympathy To Relatives of Fallen

Per Press Association. WE LLCWGVON, Sopt. 1. In a statement to-night Hon. U. G. Sullivan said that just before hie departure for the United States Mr Fraser received letters from Brigadiers Hardest and Miles who were now prisoneis of war in Italy. “These officers would if they were able wish to communicate with me relatives of those men urider their command who in the last engagement we.e eitner Killed in action or mado prisoners of war, ' said Mr buihvan, who added that this umoi tuuateiy was not possible, but tiie loliowing letters irom mem woiud be a comfort and inspiration to the relatives of the men concerned, and in fact to all. Following is the letter irom Brigadier Hargest dated April zuth: * "The last letter I wrote was concerned with the death of poor Hullquist since when much has Happened and Gngg and Allen have aiso gone. Parliament has at least contributed its share in the sacrifice of precious lives, oince my last fight on .November 1’ 1 nave wanted 10 write to you but we are 6trictly limited and I asked Mr Joruan to pass on messages to you and our mutual triends. “1 was most anxious that you know mat i d.d not tail in the tru* you reposed in me by appointing me as one of the leaders ol our men. in the past oattie 1 knew the dangers to which we were exposed. I was given a job to do to hold a certain area whicu was vital and as someone had to do it 1 have no complaint of the »ask. We were lew in numuer out 1 old continue to get all who could be spared out cl the way and save a lot of transport out elected that i and my staff should share ir. whatever betel. We were not taken by surprise but were well warned and were only overwhelmed jy sheer weight after all our guns were destroyed. "Mo man of ours left his place and there were many acts of gallantry that if 1 live to return i hope to see rewarded. The only troops who moved were the gallant men going forward to threatened spots. After it was over—alter two hours —Rommel congratiwated me on the courage eft our men. Grigg fell like a true hero. "1 would be grateful if you would tell the people of my unbounded admiration tor their soldier relatives who were never finer than wnen facing a hopeless situation or in the first sad hours in captivity. It has been a great honour to serve beside them through several campaigns. Please tell them that i regret my inability to personally express my spinpathy with those who mourn. Some day I shall. "Miles, Bishop Gerard and 1 held a little Anzac service—just we three. They are well. We are treated well. Give my regards to Mrs Fraser, your colleagues and mutual friends. We think much about New Zealand.’ The following letter has also been received from Brigadier Miles dated March 20: “I need hardly say how deeply humiliated 1 am to be writing to you from captivity. 1 have been deeply concerned, however, because my present circumstances prevent my writing individually to the relatives of those gallant officers, n.c.o.’s and men who fell while fighting so nobly under my command. My main purpose in writing is, therefore, to ask you, by radio or such means as you think best would express to their relatives and friends, my deep sympathy with them and my deep appreciation of nie good services of those whose loss we mourn. "it is a source of pride to me, as I trust it may be of comfort to the mourners, that ail ranks of the artillery louglit nobly and well and 1 am confident their efforts and their sacrifice though at such •ieavy cost largely contributed to the success with which ths division Withstood for several days attacks by superior forces and was able to go on to eventual success. “1 do not know ths full tally of our .osses but outstanding among them were oakes and Arthur Grigg. Hargest is writing you a similar inquest and if by any chance only one of our letters should arrive would you please act on It for both of us in reference to our respective commands. "En route here i was some days on Crete where iheie are still many men captured in tnat battle. They are in great heart and confident of ultimate victory but need parcels, food and clothing more than tiiuse in this country. Our thoughts are with you ail in your present anxiety, but we trust the war will not reach our shores. Hargest and Bishop Gerard join me in regards." "Brigadier Miles refers to the need of the prisoners in Crete for parcels, food and clothing," said Mr Sullivan. “1 understand, however, that the majority, if not all, of these men have since been removed to prison camps m Germany where parcels, food and clothing are available for supply to rhem. ’