KING’S MESSAGE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 May 1940, Page 5

KING’S MESSAGE

ALL HEARTS WITH BRITISH

FORCE

GALLANTRY NEVER SURPASSED. LORD GORT’S REPLY. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright. LONDON, May 30. His Majesty the King has sent the following message to the Commander-in-Chief of the British Expeditionary Force: — “All your countrymen have been following with pride and admiration the courageous resistance of the British Expeditionary Force during the continuous fighting of the last fortnight. Placed by circumstances outside their control in a position of extreme difficulty, they have displayed a gallantry which has never been surpassed in the annals of the British Army. The hearts of every one of us at home are with you and your magnificent troops in this hour of peril.”

Lord Gort replied: “The Command-er-in-Chief, with humble duty, begs leave on behalf of all ranks of the British Expeditionary Force, to thank your Majesty for your message. May I assure your Majesty that the army is doing all in its power to live up to its proud tradition and is immensely encouraged in this critical moment by the words of your Majesty’s telegram.” NURSES MEET QUEEN EXPERIENCES IN FRANCE. EAGER TO BE BACK. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, May 29. The Queen visited an overseas club on Wednesday and took tea with about 20 nursing sisters who came from all parts of Australia and New Zealand. These nurses had just returned from France and recounted their experiences to her Majesty. When the Queen asked one whether she was glad to be out of France she replied, “Not a bit. I would sooner be back there now.” Another said, “Though I had been there since September —I come from Sydney—and this is the only break I have had, I am dying to be back there now. I would like to fly over tonight and so would we FOUL DEED GERMAN BOMBER ATTACKS HOSPITAL SHIP. SEEN BY RECONNAISSANCE PLANE. (Received This Day, 9 a.m.) LONDON, May 30. The Air Ministry states that a R.A.F. reconnaissance plane saw a German plane bomb a hospital ship in the channel yesterday. The ship was clearly marked with a red cross. The British plane chased the bomber, which disappeared in clouds. TWO THOUSAND PLANES LOST BY GERMANS IN LOW COUNTRIES. (Received This Day, 9 a.m.) PARIS, May 30. A War Office spokesman saic} the Germans lost approximately 2000 planes with their crews after the Invasion of the Low Countries. BRITISH LOSSES SEVENTH WAR OFFICE LIST. (Received This Day. 9 a.m.) LONDON, May 31. A War Office seventh casualty list contains 227 names. It includes 1 officer and 4 other ranks killed; 2 officers and 12 other ranks died; 1 officer and 1 other rank wounded; 3 officers and 188 other ranks missing, believed killed.