ROYAL BROADCAST

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 September 1940, Page 5

ROYAL BROADCAST

KING GEORGE TO HIS PEOPLE Declaration of Firm Confidence in Victory CREATION OF NEW ORDER ANNOUNCED RANKING NEXT TO VICTORIA CROSS Ln his broadcast from Buckingham Palace to the peoples of the Empire, his Majesty the King said it was just over a year ago since the war began. The British peoples had entered it with open eyes, recognising how formidable were the forces against them, but trusting in the justice of their cause. Much had happened since September, 1939. Great nations had fallen. The battle, which was at that time so far away that the people of Britain could only just hear its distant rumblings, was now at. their very doors. The armies of the invader were across the Channel, only 20 miles from British shores. The air fleets of the enemy launched their attacks day and night against British cities.

“We stand in the front line to champion those liberties and traditions that are our heritage,” the King continued. “As we brace ourselves for the 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 least by their gifts for the relief of suffering in this war.

“Nearer home, in the British Commonwealth of Nations itself, the struggle of the Mother Country has been made the struggle of the whole of the family. From every part of the Empire, men and material are coming in an increasing flow, and with a greater desire to share in the sacrifices which will give 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 the barbarous attacks of the enemy. 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 to you now from Buckingham Palace, with its honourable scars, to Londoners first of all, although my words apply equally to all other British cities and towns who are enduring the same dangers. The Queen and I have seen many of the places here which are being most heavily bombed and many of the people who have suffered and are suffering most. Our hearts go out to them tonight. Their faith in the country’s cause and final victory are an inspira-. tion to the rest of us to persevere. To the men and women who are carrying on the work of the A.R.P. services I should like to say a special word of gratitude.” His Majesty went on to declare that these services took rank with those of the sailors, soldiers and airmen. The men and women, who in factories and other war establishments, worked on regardless of danger to maintain all services and necessities of their common life and to keep the fighting line

well supplied with weapons earried their place among the heroes of this war. No less honourable was the devotion of all those who night after night uncomplainingly endured discomforts, hardships and peril in their own homes and shelters. Many and glorious were the deeds of gallantry during these perilous but famous days. In order that they should be worthily and properly recognised, the King said he had decided to create at once a new order for men and women in all walks of civilian life. He proposed to give his name to this new distinction, which would consist of the George Cross, which would rank next to the Victoria Cross, and the George Medal for wider distribution.

It was not the walls, said his Majesty, which made a city, but the people who lived within them. The walls of London might be battered, but the spirit of Londoners stood resolute and undismayed. The King expressed his deep grief to the families of those who had lost their children in the ship which was torpedoed without warning in the Atlantic. Surely the world could have no clearer proof of the wickedness against which Britain fought than this foul deed.

“We live in grim times,” the King said in conclusion, “and it may be that the future will be grimmer yet. . . . Let us be of good cheer. After winter comes spring and after our present trials will assuredly come victory and relief from these evil things. Let us then put our trust, as I do, in God and in the unconquerable spirit of the British peoples.”