– Documents

Personal Message from the Army Commander

This message is to say good-bye to you all. My orders to take over an Army Group came at short notice; this makes it impossible for me to see you and thank you personally.

You have fought your way in nine months from Cassino to Florence, from Ortona to Rimini. Now you have smashed the Gothic Line and broken out into the Plains.

The name of the Eighth Army, with its Desert Air Force, has never stood higher than today. You may be sure that you will have a decisive part in the final stages of the war in Europe.

To Lieutenant-General Sir Richard McCreery, who assumes command today, I hand over with complete confidence. His long connection with this Army is known to many of you.

I leave our great Eighth Army, and my many friends among its formations, with real regret. This Army has, and always will have, a spirit of comradeship all its own. I shall always remember with pride your friendliness and cheerfulness in good times and bad, and the confidence you have placed in me throughout our battles.

I thank you all and wish you Good Luck.

Oliver Leese, Lieutenant-General

Tac. H.Q. Eighth Army.

1at October, 1944.