N.Z. TROOPS ARE READY

Southland Times, Issue 24241, 26 September 1940, Page 8

N.Z. TROOPS ARE READY

Awaiting Invader In England HONOUR OF FORWARD POSITION

(From Our Official Correspondent) LONDON, September 24.

The function of Britain’s European army in this most glorious fortnight of' her civilian history has been to watch and wait—to line the ramparts of England, ready if the foe should come to strike him a blow from which he would never recover. Although a very small unit among the 1,250,000 men thus standing to arms, the New Zealand 2nd Echelon 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 with the growing might against it none the less, a 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 and 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 hqre and to gather inspiration from the incomparable valour of our airmen and the magnificent courage under assault of the common people of Britain.