Other Forces

General Bernard Freyberg - New Zealand commander.

?Government of New Zealand.

Lieutenant General Bernard Freyberg, VC, GCMG, KCB, KBE, DSO (three bars), later First Baron Freyberg, principal New Zealand commander in the Western theatre, surveys the scene in the course of the Battle of Crete. Freyberg earned most of his "gongs" serving in the British Army in WW1, which made him one of the most decorated British soldiers of that war (he had been born in Britain, but raised in New Zealand). After further distinguished service as an inter-war staff officer, Freyberg was forced to retire from the British Army on health grounds (1937). Freyberg was not to be kept out of the action when WW2 broke out. He offered his services to the NZ government, which appears to have jumped at the prospect. He became commander of the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force, later the 2nd New Zealand Division, which served with distinction from Crete, through North Africa, all the way up Italy, where Freyberg finished up with a stand-off with the advancing Yugoslav Partisan Army of Marshal Tito. The 2nd New Zealand played an important part in most of the major actions in the Med theatre. There were hiccups along the way - as with Crete and at Monte Cassino. It could equally be argued, however, that some of these setbacks were a result of the (alleged) British propensity for placing ANZAC troops in ... difficult positions. The idea of "cannon fodder" is, perhaps, excessive... Freyberg later served a term as Governor of New Zealand (a formal role as deputy to the nominal Head of State, the British monarch). He died at Windsor on 4 July, 1963, following the eruption of one of his many war wounds. A very substantial soldier and commander, who deserves more notice and respect than perhaps he receives, at least outside New Zealand. Best regards, JR.