OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 May 1942, Page 3

OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

A CHRISTIAN COMMANDER (To the Editor.) Sir, —The heroic defence of Malta has thrilled the world and its retiring Governor, General Sir William Dobbie, has won the undying gratitude and admiration of his countrymen. However, in no report of the general I have read have I seen any reference to what is almost certainly the secret of the heroism and determination of this gallant man. Some years ago General Dobbie was the General Officer Commanding our troops in Singapore. I remember,whilst visiting Singapore at that time, being told by officers who were serving under him that he was a man of outstanding Christian faith and conviction. Not only was he a magnificent Christian and fearless in his witness, but he used to invite his officers and men to attend his house for prayer and Christian study and discussion. His - Christian faith and witness were the most conspicuous things about him, and he had a mighty influence on his subordinates. In determination, fortitude and heroic endurance General Dobbie has shown he has few equals among the Allied commanders, and an R.A.F. officer in a recent letter home from Malta wrote, “The people of Malta worship the very ground he walks on.” It seems clear that the secret of his amazing character is to be found in his deep and sincere religious faith and I think it is a pity that this is not more widely known. —Yours, etc., J. R. HIGGS. Featherston, May 14.