MESSAGE TO TROOPS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 December 1942, Page 2

MESSAGE TO TROOPS

IN THE MIDDLE EAST DISPATCHED BY PREMIER. TRIBUTE TO MATCHLESS GALLANTRY. i (By Telegraph—Press Association.) ' WELLINGTON, This Day. The Prime Minister (Mr Fraser) has sent the following message to the New Zealand troops in the Middle East: “On behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand, I extend to all New Zealanders serving in the Middle East a sincere and heartfelt message of Christmas greetings. “For many of you, this is the third Christmas spent away (Torn your homes and families. During three momentous years, the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force has fought with matchless gallantry and vigour. Though it has known reverses, it has also tasted the triumphs of victory and in all circumstances the Division has maintained an indomitable spirit which has aroused the respect and admiration of the whole world. To your folks at home and all the people of New Zealand your epic achievements are a source of inspiration and pride, and on this Christinas Day, in the midst ol your glorious victories in Egypt and Libya, I can assure you all of us arc thinking of you and longing with especial fervour for the restoration of that peace on earth and goodwill towards men which will bring you home to restore to you and to us the right to live our own lives unmolested, here in our own land. I wish you all good fortune in the coming year.”