R.S.A. GREETED

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20958, 10 November 1939, Page 2

R.S.A. GREETED

FAMOUS SOLDIERS ARMISTICE DAY MESSAGES (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Friday Cabled Armistice Day greetings have been received by the Dominion president of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association, the Hon. W. Perry, from Field-Marshal Lord Milne, Grand President of the British Empire Service League, Field Marshal Birdwood and Generals lan Hamilton and A. J. Godley. Lord Milne’s cable states: “On behalf of the council, Empire headquarters and kindred organisations, greetings and good wishes.” That from Field-Marshal Birdwood reads: “Please convey Armistice anniversary greetings to my old comrades and my fullest admiration for the enthusiastic loyalty of New Zealand.” Admiration of Enemy General Hamilton’s message says: “Old soldiers never die, they only fade away; so let me send by message to New Zealanders. As we say in Scotland, ‘I ken you weel.’ Some marched past in Egypt, some gained glory at the far-off Dardanelles. The admiration of your enemy then makes him to-day your friend. Many comrades in their hospital blue have had tea and a sing-song with me in London. Every ex-serviceman should join your association quickly in readiness to lend an effective hand to the new generation of ex-service-men.”

General Godley’s message says: “Best wishes to all old comrades.” Appropriate replies have been forwarded.