MERSA MATRUH FIGHT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20919, 20 October 1942, Page 5

MERSA MATRUH FIGHT

MAORIS MARVELLOUS SIGNALMAN'S LETTER Experiences of a divisional signaller with the Second N.Z.E.F. in the Middle East in the battle of Mersa Matruh, where the New Zealand Division was surrounded and fought its way out, are given in a letter which came to hand recently. “We -had plenty of thrills, the biggest one being when we were surrounded at Mersa Matruh,” the letter states.

“It was bad enough during the day, but the real thrill came when we made the break that night. V> e started off towing trucks, but we had to cut these loose as vve were unable to keep up with the others. Two shots went right through our truck, but foitunately no one was hurt. “We were dive-bombed time and time again, and I can tell you it is not the best of feelings. However, I think the Jerries got more than their share, going on the number ot our planes we saw going over. “Our cooks did a really great job and we had wonderful food all the time; in fact everyone did a really good job. The Maoris were marvellous, and after seeing them in action, it makes one proud to be a New Zealander. I’ll bet old Jerry will not forget them in a hurry, for he got back better than he gave.