In Egypt

Horowhenua Chronicle, 12 May 1915, Page 3

In Egypt

, LETTER FROM Q.M.S. DAVIDSON. An interesting letter is to hand in Levin from Q.M.S. Davidson, formerly drill instructor for this country. The letter is dated Cairo, March 28th:— "On Monday last," ne writes,, "we wore inspected by the High Commissioner (the Hon. Thomas Mackenzie), who, no doubt, wa6 interested in what he buw—some 30,000 troops from "down under," good stock, so good men. A High Commissioner has some conception of the type of British colonist, else he would not be a High Commissioner. What he saw wa6 no doubt what he expected to see. Ho said nothing but may have been impressed. The show of horseflesh at these divisional reviews is the feature of them and is bewildering, Australians and New Zealandens must have ridden about 10,000 horses past the saluting base. Every horse is a picture—keen tuned—confident in knowing their work. They actually step with the bands now, and are as full of. cunning as an animal could possibly be. They rollick past to the" "Cock o' the North," and the Commissioner's eye sparkles for the pipes and the troops are an inspiration and thrilling. Very sturdy and stocky this battalion looks as it marches by. They would look well in kilts, and ft is a pity Otago did not think of it. Away they go and the fine Canterbury hand strikes up "Bonnie Dundee." A showy regiment this—fine marching, well set up and clean-looking. Indifferent to fatigue, thick of shoulder, deep-chested; well | they may march to victory, is a lull as "Bonnie Dundee" dies out. And then the thunder ot the drums of the Wellington Regiment booms, frightening restive horses, awakening afresh the interest of the spectators. All eyes turn to see the regiment with the swagger band. The march is "Georgia" with the bugles. A hand of 50 is this one, and the step comes of itself. And so the crack regiment of the division comes on. their style of wearing the hats makes them appear taller than the other. Their step is —so are the lives. Fit to stand with the best regiment of the line, is the verdict of many. Next comes the Army Service Corps—horses and transports—very essential these people—the fuel of the army. Men must be fed; the Army Service do it. - Men must 6hoot—the Army Service brings up the ammunition. Men want clothes, fires, comforts—the Army Service do it all. The wounded must be brought to the hospital—fetch up the Army Service. And well they look; ready for the job—horses and men. Though it rain, thunder, lightning, snow; nightfall; roads and bridges be destroyed; railway communication interrupted—through it all the A.S.C. must work and get there. That is it —they "get there," ami they must do it. 'Last of all, hut just as essential, the Red Cross. Horses, waggons, ambulance, motors, all ready for the [final life and death struggle—the individual for his existence. The pageant ends the review is over and the desert once more resumes its lone sovereignty over all. Nothing is said, but nothing needs be said. The Commissioners know and we know! Why repeat it? To-morrow General Sir lian Hamilton holds a review. When you recall his ' visit to New Zealand you will remember that he expressed a wish to have the Nfew Zglanders with him in the ' next war. Providence has ruled that it shall be so. To hie visit and suzer- ' ainty we are looking forward for Ee is a man of parts tried and found not wanting. J—WLTgVJW——