Documents Relating to New Zealand's Participation in the Second World War 1939–45: Volume II
51 — Headquarters 2nd NZEF to the Chief of the General Staff (Wellington)1
51
Headquarters 2nd NZEF to the Chief of the General Staff (Wellington)1
Could you indicate if war with Japan will in any way affect the supply of reinforcements to the Middle East? We have sufficient trained men to make the Division up to full strength again almost at once.
Casualties appear to be between 4000 and 5000,2 leaving a balance of about 3500 which, in view of the future likely employment of the New Zealand Division, should suffice for some months.
1 Major-General E. (later Lieutenant-General Sir Edward) Puttick had returned to New Zealand in Sep 1941 to assume the appointment of Chief of the General Staff and General Officer Commanding, New Zealand Military Forces, on the retirement of Major-General Sir John Duigan.