READY FOR ACTION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24410, 23 September 1940, Page 6

READY FOR ACTION

NEW ZEALAND TROOPS NOW IN WESTERN DESERT PART OF EGYPTIAN DEFENCE (N.Z.E.F. Official News Service.) CAIRO, Sept. 22. (Received Sept. 22, at 11.30 p.m.) Somewhere in the sun-baked Western Desert, the first New Zealand contingent to-day stands ready for action as a complete and distinct fighting formation, which will play its part side by side with the recentlystrengthened British land forces in the Middle East Command. Life in the modern military camps now seems a thing of the past. The headquarters field camp, from which this message is despatched, nestles in rolling desert country overlooking the eternally blue waters of the Mediterranean. Our only neighbours are our comrades in arms from Britain and the Empire, with whom the New Zealanders fraternise nightly. The camp is typical of those found in the field, and is so reduced to essentials that it could be completely packed and moved at brief notice. Tents and vehicles are widely scattered. The only building is a portable cookhouse erected in sections. Despite the curtailment of the permanent camp amenities, the troops have lost little in comfort. A smoothly-running supply system ensures the delivery of ample fresh foodstuffs and water, and the cooks are doing a splendid job under difficult conditions.

A daily swim in the clear, warm sea is an unending delight, and since bathing suits are entirely out of fashion here our bodies are becoming bronzed from head to foot. The temperate climate is free from the oppressive heat encountered inland, and seems conducive to good health. Fifty cigarettes a week are issued to all the troops, who are also no longer required to pay surface letter postage.

The contingent is now approaching the end of its first year in khaki, and one week's leave continues to be granted in rotation to small numbers. Arrangements have been made for cheap city lodgings, while eight days may be soent in Palestine for only £3 10s. All ranks are hard and fit and in good spirits. Past and current mails are arriving regularly.