AUSTRALIANS IN EGYPT

Southland Times, Issue 24241, 26 September 1940, Page 8

AUSTRALIANS IN EGYPT

“STRAINING AT THE LEASH”

CAIRO, September 10. Egypt has rapidly become used to the sight of thousands of lean, hard-bitten Australian troops, who have arrived here with the thousands of other British soldiers to strengthen the Egyptian garrison.

The men’s behaviour and bearing have created a fine impression, and they have been welcomed with an enthusiasm which recalled pre-embarka-tion days in Australia. “The men have been straining at the leash for months, especially since Italy declared war,” said a brigadier today. “I am confident that they will give a good account of themselves when they are called on to do so. Their morale is of the highest, they are as hard as hard training can make them, and they look forward to battle with the same lighthearted confidence and the same eagerness, thinly disguised by jest or curse, as I remember in the lads I served with 20 odd years ago.” British oficers are genuinely pleased to have the Australians here.

A major of a famous Scottish regiment which distinguished itself during the Somaliland evacuation said last night: “I wish we had had a couple of battalions of your boys there. They should be the very fellows for this kind of fighting, where initiative and bushcraft are at a premium. I am looking forward to seeing them in action against the Italians.”

The Australians’ tents are pitched in real desert country. The camp areas are just sand, without a blade of grass or a vestige of growth of any kind to relieve the eye. And when the wind blows driven sand almost obscures the tents.

Once again with the granting of Cairo leave slouch hats are a familiar sight in the streets of the capital, and Egyptians are renewing acquaintance with Australian soldiers after the lapse of a quarter of a century. The behaviour of the majority of the men has been exemplary, and Egyptians of all classes have given the A.I.F. a very friendly welcome.