“THE EMPIRE’S THANKS.”

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIV, Issue 51, 5 February 1916, Page 2

“THE EMPIRE’S THANKS.”

GENERAL EIRDWOOD’S TRIBUTE THE HEROES OF ANZAC,, Tlic following is the text of a genera! order which was issued to the New Zealand and Australian Army Corps by General Sir W. Birdwood on his promotion to the command ol the forces at Gallipoli:— “ANZAC, December I—Boys, I cannot tell you how really sorry 1 am to be leaving Anzac, as I have to shift over to Army Headquarters, f have not, however, any intention of saying good-bye to anyone, tor I trust that it is by no means good-bye. I still hope and intend to see as much of all my old friends in the army corps as 1 possibly can do. “Nor am 1 going to express my thanks to the officers and men, even if 1 could find words to do so. I feel that it would only he presumption on my part. It is for the British Empire to do that, and I well know that it will do so. “My one wish is to be able to finish this war alongside of all my old comrades of Anzac. Having begun it together close on a year ago now in Egypt, 1 sincerely trust that many ot us may be spared to see it through together, when the time comes to make an end of our German enemies, though that day may be yet far distant.” General Birdwood forwarded a copy of this order in a private letter to the New Zealand Minister for Defence (Hon. J. Allen).