FIRST BLOW

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 July 1943, Page 4

FIRST BLOW

AT ENEMY IN HIS OWN LAND ADMIRAL CUNNINGHAM’S MESSAGE. THE TASK OF THE NAVY. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) LONDON, July 11. “We are about to embark on the most momentous enterprise of the war—striking for the first time at the enemy in his own land.”—Thus Admiral Cunningham began the historic message he sent on Friday to all ships taking part in the Sicilian operation. “Success means the opening of a second front, with all that it implies and the first move towards the rapid and decisive defeat of our enemies,” the message states. “Our object is clear and our primary duty is to place this vast expedition ashore in a minimum of time and subsequently to maintain our military and air forces as they drive relentlessly forward into enemy territory. In light of this duty, great risks must be and are to be accepted. The safety of our own ships and all distracting considerations are to be relegated to second place, or disregarded, as the accomplishment of our' primary duty may require. On every commanding officer, officer and rating 'lies the personal duty of ensuring that no flinching in determination or failure of effort on our own part will hamper this great enterprise. I rest confident in the resolution, skill and endurance of all to whom this momentous enterprise is entrusted.”