H.—l9

Pay Accounts and Base Records There lias been a large increase in the volume of work in Pay Accounts and Base Records. As at 31st March, 1943, the staff totalled 572, including 433 women. 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force casualties reported up to 31st March, 1943, were as follows :—

Conclusion This year has been by far the most difficult in the history of the New Zealand Army. The gigantic activities necessitated, first by mobilization and then by partial demobilization, could never have been so successfully carried out without the generous co-operation of the sister services, various Government Departments, and civilian organizations, and the faithful support of the civil population, to all of whom I desire to pay tribute. I desire also to place on record the magnificent spirit and devotion to duty which has consistently marked the manifold activities of the men and the women in the ranks of the Army. The sacrifices involved have been many and great. They have, however, been accepted without question. Finally, 1 wish to thank the officers and non-commissioned officers of the Army for their loyal and efficient leadership. Since the expiry of the period covered by this report a large number of the officers of the home-defence forces have given a further signal evidence of their worth in voluntarily relinquishing their commissions to proceed overseas. I cannot commend too highly their realism and their patriotism. To my staff at Army Headquarters and other headquarters I would express my appreciation of their ability and untiring energy in dealing with problems of unique difficulty and complexity. E. Puttick, Lieutenant-General, Commanding New Zealand Military Forces.

By Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington. —194!. Price 6d.] 2—H. 19

5

Killed Died Accident- Died Died Prisoner in of ally Kesult of of of Missing. Wounded. Total. Action. Wounds. Killed. Accident. Sickness. War. Theatre of War. | | | | | | | | | o oooooooooo o ooo o o o Middle East .. 158 1,958 66 976 .. 52 . 1 71 4 136 412 7,327 14 507 563 8,566 1,21819,593 United Kingdom . . 2 . . 1 . . 1 .. 7 .. 8 3 .. 22 Pacific 2 2 1 9 2 3 1 10 .. 6 .. 8 . . 1 6 39 Totals .. 158 1,960 68 979 1 62 3 81 5 154 412 7,333 14 515 563 8,570 1,224 19,654