ANZAC SPIRIT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 April 1939, Page 4

ANZAC SPIRIT

———♦— —— HONOURED IN LONDON. PAST ACHIEVEMENTS & PRESENT CRISIS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. LONDON, April 25. In honour of Anzac Day, the Empire Service League gave a lunch at the British Empire Club, Lord Milne presiding. His Majesty acknowledged a loyal message. The New. Zealand High Commissioner (Mr W. J. Jordan), toasting the memory of Gallipoli, regretted that Anzac medals must soon, in cases, be cited as “My Dad’s old medals.” Nevertheless the spirit of Anzac was widespread, because it was the spirit of the first army, assuring preparedness. Field-Marshal Birdwood’s name was an inspiration. “We follow —not follow, but go with him—all the way.” Field-Marshal Birdwood declared that the young men now coming on were magnificent fellows, capable of carrying out the traditions of duty, mercy, loyalty, obedience and sacrifice. Time‘should not be wasted ip the present kaleidoscopic situation. It should be realised that if youth joined the colours in sufficient numbers, the Government need not face conscription. Sir A. Godley was present. Members of the Twenty-ninth Division, Royal Naval Division, British Home forces, French Army, Empire Service League, Anzac Corps, Indian Army, and Merchant Navy attended a commemorative ceremony at the Cenotaph. Sir lan Hamilton placed a wreath on behalf of the Empire Service League, representing ex-Service men throughout the Empire.