NEW ZEALAND TROOPS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 November 1943, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND TROOPS

ACHIEVEMENT IN PACIFIC EXCHANGE OF OFFICIAL , MESSAGES. PROFOUND SATISFACTION. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. The completion of the occupation of Vella Lavella and Treasury Island by the third New Zealand Division has been marked by an exchange of messages between the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Nash, and Major-General Barrowclough, Officer commanding-, the New Zealand Troops- in the Mr Nash’s message is as follows: — “Now that the forces under your command have so quickly and effec- , lively completed the occupation o£ Vella Lavella and Treasury Islands I would like on behalf of the Government and people to extend to you and your officers and men heartfelt congratulations on the splendid achievements of the Third Division. It is a matter of profound satisfaction that the casualties were not unduly heavy, particularly as we realise how severe was the fighting and how gruelling the conditions under which all of you have been living. You have just cause for pride in the valuable contribution the Third Division is making toward the expulsion of the Japanese from the South Pacific area.” The following reply has been received from Major-General Barrowclough: " “Greatly appreciate your very kind message, -which is being published in Divisional Orders and will be a source qf pride to all ranks of this force. This division has waited long for its opportunity, and I am indeed proud of the enterprise and fortitude of my command in its first contact with a very implacable foe.”