IMPERIAL STAFF

Waikato Times, Volume 129, Issue 21583, 20 November 1941, Page 5

IMPERIAL STAFF

CHANGES IN COMMAND SIR A. BROOKE AT HEAD SIR JOHN DILL RETIRES (United Press Assn.—Elcc. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Nov. 19 Important changes in the British High Command are announced toGeneral Sir Alan Brooke, Com-mander-in-Chief cf the British Home Forces, becomes Chief of the Imperial General Staff, replacing General Sir John Dill, who retires with the rank of Field-Marshal and is appointed Governor of Bombay. The Vice-Chief of the Imperial General Staff, Lieutenant-General Sir Henry Pownall, also retires from his post, as he is needed for a very important position as yet unnamed. He is succeeded by Major-General A. F. Nye. General Sir Alan Brooke is succeeded as Commander-in-Chief of the Home Forces by LieutenantGeneral B. C. T. Paget, of the SouthEastern Command. Sir John Dill will relinquish his post on Christmas Day, when he will be 60 years of age. The Daily Express suggests that Lieutenant-General Pownall may be sent to the Caucasus. Return of Fighting Days The Daily Express says in a leader: “Changes in army command are usually made after a battle and they are then a bad portent; but those we have now made are not: they are a sign that fighting days have come again. The men who have been making the preparations move aside, and the men we meant for action move up to take their commands. “The promoted officers are young as generals go, and know how the Germans fight. We expect hard hitting and quick thinking. We, and not the Germans, must decide how strenuous this battle shall be.”

The military correspondent of the Daily Mail says: “The changes are of great significance: they mean that technical knowledge of modern warfare and a more youthful viewpoint are being given higher places in the supreme command of the British Army at a time when its tasks are the greatest in its history.” The News Chronicle sums up opinion with the statement: “The whole shake-up inspires confidence.” The military correspondent of the Daily Express says: “Major-General Nye is probably the youngest ViceChief ever appointed in the British Army. He is the Army’s mystery man, who is described as a soldier born to command. Knowledge of Strategy “Since the last war Major-General Nye has studied army co-operation with the Royal Air Force and has held staff appointments at the- War Office and the Staff College. He became one of the ‘brains’ at the War Office when he was Director of Staff Duties. Major-General Nye’s brilliant knowledge of strategy led to his being frequently called in for consultation with his chiefs. He is almost unknown to the army at large. He is a quiet, shy man who does not even permit his name to appear in ‘Who’s Who.’ “General Brooke is the greatest artillery expert in the world, and has an amazing technical knowledge of guns.”

Tne Times, in a leader, says General Brooke by his leadership of the Second Corps during the withdrawal from Dunkirk, and his reorganisation of the British Expeditionary Force after its return from France revealed qualities fitting him for the highest responsibilities. The Daily Herald asks what is behind Sir John Dill’s departure. “Is it true that the Army, even in war time, adheres to the iron rules of age limit? If so, adherence is crazy,” it says. “Is there dissatisfaction with Sir John Dill’s conduct of his crucial functions?” The Herald asks the Government to give the nation a more detailed explanation of the reasons for the drastic change.

Sir John Dill’s Confidence Sir John Dill, in a statement, said: “I have always been anxious for the young men in the Army to get on, and that can happen only if the older men give way to them. I hand over to General Brooke with the greatest confidence. General Paget is one of our finest generals. MajorGeneral Nye is an officer of my old regiment whom I marked out for rapid advance. Lieutenant-General Pownall is required for a very important appointment which will be announced soon.

“I leave the service with the deep-* est regret, but without bitterness.” H.M.S. PRINCE OF WALES VISIT TO CAPETOWN (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Nov. 20, noon) CAPETOWN, Nov. 19 It is officially announced that H.M.S. Prince of Wales recently visited Capetown. The visit is regarded as a clear demonstration that the Navy is able to send powerful forces into distant oceans.