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General Freyberg to the acting Prime Minister

Your telegram of 9 April.

Thank you for the message from the Government and the people of New Zealand, which is being published as a Special Order to the troops. We greatly appreciate your message, especially at the present time when we have such a large number of officers and men fighting for the first time with the Division.

For your information, the Division carried out a brilliant attack last night to cross the Senio River. Bridges were put across, then the troops crossed with all their heavy equipment and took all their objectives. They captured nearly 800 prisoners for the loss of 81, mostly slight casualties. They are now pursuing the enemy hard and the battle will go on for several days. We are now facing up to the Santerno River.

As soon as possible I will send you my comments on the battle and an account for publication in the press should you desire.