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The acting Prime Minister to General Freyberg

The heart of every New Zealander is overflowing with today's news, with relief that a stubborn campaign through rough country and bitter weather is ended, and with pride that New Zealanders, who have always shared in the hard going, should have been triumphantly at the spearhead of victory.

We are proud beyond words of our men and of their Commander. To you, their great Commander, and to them we extend our deepest gratitude.

The following message has just been received from Mr. Churchill: ‘New Zealand troops were in at the death and have fought with splendid tenacity throughout.’²