NOT EXCESSIVE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 May 1941, Page 6

NOT EXCESSIVE

NEW ZEALAND LOSSES MAJOR-GENERAL FREYBERG'S REPORT. PRIME MINISTER'S EXPRESSION OF GATITUDE. WELLINGTON, This Day. “The Prime Minister . (Mr Fraser) received the following cablegram from Major-General Freyberg, V.C., commander of the New Zealand Division, this morning:— “After a most difficult month’s fighting, we have just arrived at Crete from evacuating the last of the New Zealand Division from the southern extremity of Greece, except for stragglers, which is inevitable in such a campaign. I can assure the Government that the Division has been kept intact and that our losses have not been excessive. It is impossible io get full figures until a great deal of sorting cut has been done. I estimate our losses at between 100 and 200 killed, SCO to 600 wounded and approximately 800 missing. “At the moment these can only be taken as very rough estimates. The Division has carried out a very difficult role and has done excellently. The readiness and fortitude of all ranks under very trying times have been commended by everyone and fully justify the high opinion formed of the quality of our forces. I am not in a position to send any detailed account, which will follow. The troops are all in good heart. Full allowances must be made for the lack of communications during the operations, as I was cut off from all cable communication. MR FRASER'S REPLY. Major-General Freyberg's message was immediately acknowledged by Mr Fraser as follows:—“Your message of April 30 will greatly relieve and inspire the whole Dominion. The decision to help Greece, with all its hazards, has been nobly sustained and supported by the amazing achievements of your men. Whatever the future may bring, our souls are strengthened by the fact that the step was taken with all its known dangers and risks, and nations which make and carry out such decisions will face whatever may come and conquer. It is on such an achievement that, the foundations of the future are being laid, and it is this knowledge which sustains and strengthens the inspiration. to be free.

“To you personally, and to your officers and men, I extend the heartfelt gratitude-and congratulations of the Government, the War Cabinet and people of the Dominion for the truly magnificent stand you have made in face of overwhelming odds. The Dominion has never been more proud of its men than it is today.”