NEW ZEALAND TROOPS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 March 1941, Page 4

NEW ZEALAND TROOPS

REUNITED IN MIDDLE EAST ARRIVAL OF CONTINGENT FROM BRITAIN. SERVICE IN MOTHER COUNTRY PRAISED. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. An announcement that a contingent of New Zealand and Australian troops from the United Kingdom arrived in the Middle East some time ago was made by the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, in a statement in the House of Representatives yesterday. “These troops have there joined other New Zealand and Australian units, and this accession further consolidates Dominion forces,” Mr Frasejr said. “The New Zealand Government is warmly appreciative of the reception and treatment accorded to those New Zealand soldiers who were previously domiciled in the Motherland,” the Prime Minister said. "We are glad to know that during the period Dominion troops were in the United Kingdom they not only rendered valuable service in the defence of Britain, but were really made to feel at home. The time spent there was fully occupied in training, and the experience gained, including association with British troops, will prove invaluable. They were entrusted with an important post under the Dover command to meet any.onslaught by invaders. They were not called on to give proof of their mettle, but New Zealand is conscious of an honour conferred by this confidence in her soldier sons. i HAPPY RECOLLECTIONS. “The Prime Minister, Mr Churchill, Sir Alan Brooke, Sir John Dill and many other representative and responsible people in Britain have on more than one sccasion assured the New Zealand Government that the conduct and bearing of the New Zealand troops was in every way commendable. The men left behind them the most happy recollections, and we may have the utmost confidence that wherever they may be the traditions of the Anzacs and the reputation so worthily won in Britain will be upheld. "When the troops sailed from the United Kingdom I received the following message from the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs, Viscount Cranborne: — GREAT BRITAIN’S THANKS. “ ‘On the departure of New Zealand troops who are now leaving this'country for service elsewhere, I should like, on behalf of his Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom, to convey to you and your colleagues our thanks for the help which they have rendered in the common cause during their service here. Their fine bearing and keenness have won the admiration of all. We h&ve the happiest recollection of them and we hope that they are taking with them equally happy memories of the home country in whose defence they have well played part. We send them every good wishj They will, we know, ably carry on the splendid taditions of New Zealand Forces and win fresh laurels for their arms.’ “On behalf of the people of New Zealand I replied to this cordial message from the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs in the following terms: — “‘My colleagues and I very warmly appreciate your remarks on the conduct and bearing of the New Zealand troops who have recently left the United Kingdom. They were made to feel at all times that they were among their own people and that their welcome was genuine and warm, and vze here for our part are proud to know that they worthily represented us and that they have played some part in defending the centre of the Commonwealth. We share with you the conviction that in their new sphere of activity they will worthily uphold their traditions.’ “The safe convoy of New Zealand and Australian troops from the United Kingdom to the Middle East has been an undertaking calling for skill and courage,” Mr Fraser said. This transfer to another theatre of wai strengthens our faith in the efficiency and sea power of the British Navy and constitutes another tribute to the inestimable services being rendered to the British Commonwealth by the men of the mercantile marine. “The reunion of the New Zealanders with their fellows in the Middle East is a notable event, and the concentration will place at the disposal of commanding officers a highly-trained and well-equipped force. “There has been in the past some comment about the non-employmenl of New Zealand troops in major actions in the Middle East. Wherever and whenever they were called upon they! were not only available but on every ' occasion they rendered service of outstanding value to the triumph of the united forces. And now, with the completion of the formation, our welltrained troops are ready fully to share the response to any call and successfully withstand any challenge from the destroyers of democratic rights and liberties.”