ALLIED TASK

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 April 1940, Page 5

ALLIED TASK

MUST BE CARRIED OUT METHODICALLY TRANSPORT AND OTHER PROBLEMS. ANTICIPATION OF FURTHER LANDINGS. — (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, April IG. The building up of a formidable force, properly equipped to undertake a Norwegian campaign, is a gradual process and brilliant results cannot at once be expected. This opinion is expressed in competent military circles, where it is also emphasised that the landing of British troops less than a week after the German invasion must be regarded as a highly creditable performance. Whereas the German stroke had been planned carefully for months, the British military authorities had but a few hours to organise a counter-stroke which necessitated a great variety of considerations as far apart as the type of oil for motor engines and (he clothing of the personnel. Though the landing was in a welcoming and friendly country, it will be • appreciated that it is impossible for an expeditionary force “to live on the land," a factoi- the importance of which is increased when it is realised that control points of the railways are at present in Nazi hands. Consequently. it has been necessary to dispatch, not only the ordinary accompaniments of a modern army, including anti-air-craft defences and provisions, but the means by which local transport over tracks and roadless country can be utilised. The British Army is not unused to campaigns of this kind, and, though many years ago, the triumph of organisation which culminated in the Battle of Magdala may be remembered. The view that Allied forces can be landed in the many Norwegian fiords which cut deep into the country was expressed by Sir Charles Wingfield, a former British Minister in Norway. The configuration of the country, he said, lent itself to such possibilities, and 'with the Navy giving access to them, he felt sure that Britain would hear shortly about landings and movements of troops. He was certain that the Oslo troops only surrendered through being given treacherous orders not to resist. Speaking of the Norwegians, he added: “One of the essential facts is that they are a very friendly people. Our troops coming to their help will meet with a most friendly reception and will not lack capable guides in their operations. They are a hardy race."