AWAITING THE FOE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24413, 26 September 1940, Page 6

AWAITING THE FOE

DEFENDERS OF BRITAIN NEW ZEALANDERS INCLUDED UNFORGETTABLE PRIVILEGE (From the Official War Correspondent Attached to the New Zealand Forces in Britain.) LONDON, Sept. 24. (Received Sept. 25, at 7 p.m.) The function of her European army in this most glorious fortnight of Britain’s civilian history has, been to watch and wail—to line the ramparts of England, ready if the foe should come to strike him a blow from which he will never recover. Although a very small unit among the 1,250,000 men thus standing to arms, the second echelon of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force has been honoured with an important forward position, and in the last week has further improved its plans for striking quickly and hard when the call comes. British public opinion on the possibility of invasion remains divided, but even in view of the growing might against it, the preparedness already unparalleled in this island's long story of hard-bought freedom Is being intensified daily. It is distasteful to be, as it were, idly standing by while the Air Force and Navy do all the work, and unprotected women and children bear much of the brunt of the vicious, merciless attack, but it is a part which the needs of the moment require of the soldiers.

Meanwhile, it is an unforgettable privilege to be here and to gather inspiration from the incomparable valour of our airmen and the magnificent courage under assault of the common people of Britain.