THANKS OF NATION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 June 1941, Page 6

THANKS OF NATION

GIVEN TO NEW ZEALAND TROOPS ADDRESS BY N.Z. PREMIER IN DESERT bAMP. PROMISE OF ADEQUATE AIR SUPPORT. (From the N.Z.E.F. Official War Correspondent.) CAIRO. June 7. The voice of a nation that is proud in the midst of its mourning lor its lost sons spoke today to New Zealanders who are newly-settled in a desert camp after returning from the campaigns in Greece and Crete. The New Zealanders’ defeat of the actual paratroops, said the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, in addressing the men, had minimised the likelihood of such an attack ever being made on the United Kingdom. This achievement was of great importance to the Motherland. Mr Fraser said there was a vital lesson learned from Crete. He promised that everything would be done to see that the fighting troops had adequate air support next time. The Prime Minister said that while a fortnight ago he was expressing to the troops back from Greece the admiration of the Dominion for the wonderful rearguard action they had carried out there, the remaining New Zealand fighting men were confronting in Crete what turned out to be an unprecedented attack. They underwent experiences unparalleled in battle. “You have returned after deeds of courage, valour and daring that have never been surpassed," he continued. “When you left Greece along with your comrades it was reported to me oft all hands that while all the British and Greek troops there had done well and fought bravely none had surpassed the New Zealand division in all respects. “I was informed on the best authority that in initiative, discipline, and co-operation you men and your comrades stood supreme.

“Since then you have again added a bright page of courageous achievements to the history of the Dominion. In Greece the ancient names of Olympus, Thermopylae, Corinth and Piraeus became intertwined with Gallipoli, Messines, Somme, and Passchendaele, and now Malemi, Galatos, Suda Bay and Sphakia as well will shine ever brightly in New Zealand history.

“You have left many of your comrades in Greece and Crete, and our hearts go out to the relatives of those who fell and those whose fate is uncertain. In our own country the hearts of many of our people are sad and anxious, but through all runs a feeling cf pride and gratitude. “You, who so courageously have faced death, stood up to an air attack which has never been equalled, and whose extent and violence were not foreseen. Your were not defeated because of any superiority of Nazi personnel or morale, nor because of any weakening in your own ranks in fighting determination or spirit. You literally were blasted out of Crete by an air attack no flesh and blood could stand.

“You proved beyond doubt that parachute troops can be defeated. Doing that, you achieved a great victory, not only for your own country but also for the Motherland. After what you did in Crete it is unlikely that any German parachutists will ever land in the United Kingdom. That, at least, was achieved.”

Mr Fraser again expressed warm gratitude to the Navy.