CAPTIVE OFFICERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 September 1942, Page 4

CAPTIVE OFFICERS

LETTERS FROM BRIGADIERS !N ITALY GALLANT LAST STAND. MADE BY TROOPS UNDER THEIR COMMAND. (By Telegraph—Press: Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. In a statement last night the Act-ing-Prime Minister, Mr Sullivan, said that just before his departure for the United States the Prime Minister, Mi’’ Fraser, received letters from Brigadier Hargest and Brigadier Miles, who were now prisoners of war in Italy. “These officers would, if they were able, wish to communicate with the relatives of those men under their command who in their last engagement were either killed in action or made prisoners of war,” said Mr Sullivan, who added that this, unfortunately, was not possible, but the following letters from them would be a comfort and inspiration to the relatives of the men concerned and, in fact, to all. Following is the letter from Brigadier Hargest, dated April 29: — “The last letter I wrote was concerned with the death of poor Hultquist, since when much has happened and Grigg and Allen have also gone. Parliament has at least contributed its share in the sacrifice of precious lives. Since my last fight on November 27, I have wanted to write to you, but we are strictly limited, and I asked Jordan to pass on messages to you and our mutual friends. I was most anxious that you should know that I did not fail in the trust you reposed in me by appointing me as one of the leaders of our men. DANGERS ACCEPTED. “In the past battle I knew the dangers to which we were exposed. I was given a job to do to hold a certain area which was vital and, as someone had to do it, I have no complaint of the task. We were few in number, but I did continue to get all who could be spared out of the way and save a lot of transport, but elected that I and my staff should share in whatever befel. We were not taken by surprise, but were well warned and were only overwhelmed by sheer weight after all our guns had been destroyed. “No man of ours left his place and there were many acts of gallantry that, if I live to return, I hope to see rewarded. The only troops who moved were gallant men going forward to threatened spots. After it was over — after two hours —Rommel congratulated me on the courage of our men. Grigg fell like a true hero. “I would be grateful if you would tell the people of my unbounded admiration for their soldier relatives, who were never finer than when facing a hopeless situation or in the first sad hours in captivity. It has been a great honour to serve beside therm through several campaigns. Please tell them that I regret my inability personally to express my sympathy with those who mourn. Some day I shall. “Miles, Bishop Gerard and I held a little Anzac service—just we three. They are well. We are treated well. Give my regards to Mrs Fraser, your colleagues and mutual friends. We think much about New Zealand.” i FROM BRIGADIER MILES. The following letter has also been received from Brigadier Miles, dated March 20:— “I need hardly say how deeply humiliated I am to be writing to you from captivity. I have been deeplv concerned, however, because my pre"sent circumstances prevent my writing individually to the relatives of those gallant officers, n.c.o’s and men who fell while fighting so nobly under my command. My main purpose in writing is, therefore, to ask you. by radio or such means as you think best, to express to their relatives and friends my deep sympathy with them and my deep appreciation of the good services of those whose loss they mourn. “It is a source of pride to me, as I trust it may be of comfort to the mourners, that all ranks of the artillery fought nobly and- well, and I am confident that their efforts and their sacrifice, though at such heavy cost largely contributed to the success with which the division withstood foi’ several days attacks by superior forces, and was able to go on to eventual success. “I do not know the full tally of our losses, but outstanding among them was Oakes and Arthur Grigg. Hargest is writing you a similar request, and if by mischance only one of our letters should arrive, would you please act on it for both of us in reference to our respective commands. “En route here I was some days on Crete, where there are still many men captured in that battle . They are in I great heart and confident of ultimate victory, but need parcels of food and clothing more than those in this country. Our thoughts are with you all in your present anxiety, but we trust the war will not reach our shores Hargest and Bishop Gerard join me in regards.” “Brigadier Miles refers to the need e prisoners in Crete for parcels of food and clothing,” said Mr Sullivan. ‘I understand, however, that the majority, if not all, of these men have since been removed to prison camps in Germany, where parcels of food and clothing are available for supply to them,’.