WAR SERVICE OVERSEAS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 November 1939, Page 6

WAR SERVICE OVERSEAS

PREPARATIONS FOR DISPATCH OF FIRST ECHELON Announcement by Prime Minister MAJOR-GENERAL FREYBERG TO COMMAND NEW ZEALAND FORCES SECOND BODY OF TROOPS TO BE CALLED UP (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON. This Day. The dispatch of the First Echelon for service overseas, the appointment by his Majesty the King of Major-General Freyberg - to take command of the New Zealand forces overseas, and the retention of Major-General Duigan for services within the Dominion, were the subjects of a statement by the Prime Minister (Mr Savage) today. At the Government ’s special request, Major-General Duigan is to remain in New Zealand 10 devote his full attention Io the vitally important work of raising and training men. The troops proceeding overseas will embark, after the satisfactory completion of their training, as and when transport is available. ?vfr Savage also stressed particularly that the force would not sail without an adequate naval escort. At some period before they were sent abroad, the men would be given leave to visit their homes. “AU the factors involved have been given the fullest consideration.” said Air Savage, “and the steps now being taken have been the subject of consultations with the United Kingdom Government. The public will recall that immediately the Government had been advised that war had broken out with Germany, it offered Britain the fullest assurance of all possible support and at the same lime offered to give the fullest consideration to any suggestion of the British Government as to the method by which New Zealand could best assist the common cause. “Tn due course, and in accordance with our request, the British Government made a number of suggestions regarding New Zealand co-operation and these were carefully examined by the Defence Council and Cabinet. The suggestions made by the Old Country were accepted and the undertakings are being carried out. “The First Echelon of the Special Force has been undergoing intensive training since October (j. A further step towards providing the force offered was taken on November 8, when officers selected for service with the Second Echelon were assembled and commenced training. The next step will bo the concentration of non-commissioned officers for service with this echelon. On completion of the embarkation of the First Echelon the men of the Second Echelon will be called upon to join their officers and non-coms for training. Already a large number of enrolments for the Second Echelon have been made and further enlistments will continue to be received.”