GRIM TRIAL

Taranaki Daily News, 25 September 1940, Page 8

GRIM TRIAL

By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.

British Official Wireless.

FAITH IN NATION MESSAGE FROM KING BROADCAST TO EMPIRE

Rugby, Sept. 23. "It is just over a year now since the war began," said His Majesty the King in a world broadcast this afternoon. "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. "Much has happened since September, 1939. Great nations have fallen in battle. That time is not so far away that we could only just hear its rumbling. Now at our very doors, the armies of invasion are massed across the ChanneJ only 20 miles from our shores. The air fleets of the enemy launch their attacks day and night against our cities. As we brace ourselves for battle there is much to encourage us. We have with us brave contingents from the 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. Struggle of Whole Family. "Nearer home, in the British Commonwealth itself, the struggle of the Mother Country has been made the struggle of the whole family. From every part of it men and material are coming in an 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. Others of our cities 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. "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 and hamlets who are enduring the same dangers. The Queen and I have been in many places here which have been most heavily> bombed and with many of our people who suffered and are suffering most. Our hearts are with them to-night. Their courage, cheerfulness and their faith in their country's cause and final victory are aD inspiration to the rest to persevere. Civilian Workers. "To the men and women who carry on the work of the A.R.P. services I should like to say a special word of gratitude for the devotion of these civilian workers. Firemen, salvage men and many others in the face of grave and

constant danger have . won new renown for the British name. These men and women are worthy partners of our armed forces and our police; of the Navy, once more as so often before our sure shield; and the merchant navy; of the Army and Home Guard, alert and eager to repel any invader; and of the Air Force, whose exploits are the wonder of the world. "To-night, intieed, we are a nation on guard and in the line. Each task, each hit of duty done, however simple and domestic, is part of our war work. It takes rank with the sailors' duty, the soldiers' and airmen's duty. Men and women in factories or on 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 Cross, ranking next to the Victoria Cross, and the George Medal for wider distribution. Spirit Undismayed. "As we look around us we see on every side that in the hour of her trial the mother city is proving herself to 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 throughout Britain. Buildings rich in beauty and historic interest may be wantonly attacked, humbler houses no less dear and familiar may be destroyed. But there will always be an England to stand before the world as a symbol and citadel of freedom and to be our own dear home. "And here I would like to tell the sorrowing parents how deeply we grieve for them in the loss of their young ones in the ship torpedoed without warning in mid-Atlantic. Surely the world could have no clearer proof of the wickedness against which we fight than this foul deed. "We live in grim times, and it may be 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, ar.d after our present trials will assuredly come victory and release from these evil things. Let us then put our trust, as I do, in God and in the unconquerable spirit of the British peoples."