Egypt

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIV, Issue 71, 29 February 1916, Page 3

Egypt

THE NEW LEVANT ARMY. TRIBUTE TO COLONIAL SOLDIERS SOUTH AFRICANS AND AUSTRALASIANS COMPARED. CUmTIE PHEBB AafIOOTATroN.I London, February 26. A special English correspondent at Cairo reports that the three Southern; Dominions have contributed largely to' the new Levant army. Anyone in Cairo might think that Australasia, I and not Britain, occupied the land. Big men with the Rising Sun badge are everywhere, supplying guards and patrols and tilling shops, thus imparting their martial preparedness. Tim numbers are rapidly growing. Fresh drafts arrive every other day for the old Australian and New Zealand divisions and new formations. New Zealand is doubling and trebling its contingent. and the Southern Dominions’ army may be formed of Australians, New Zealanders and South Africans who are here and are en route. One could not wish for a finer body than the South Africans. They are not quite equal to the extraordinary average height of the Australians, but are second to none in physical fitness. The 19th have been hardened in German South Africa, and will not fail in any test of endurance. Of the infantry many would have preferred to bo in the mounted service, but being eager to meet the Germans in Europe, enlisted as infantrymen at the British rates of pay, sacrificing the higher rate offered for service in East Africa. The Australians and New Zealanders prefer to do the same, as all want to light the Germans where they are strongest. The Australians are notable among those who love a tight for itself, and they are longing to disprove the German boast that the troops of the Fatherland are the best fighting men on earth. After doing that they say they will again attend to the Turks. , Several transports with New Zealanders have recently arrived, the men being of the kind who proved their mettle at Anzac. All, the men are in the pink of condition. The men from the Dominions do everything well, in feeding, clothing and fighting, and the Australian and New Zealand armies have set a high standard in all things. ENEMY FORCE ROUTED. THE PURSUIT CONTINUES. The High Commissioner reports: — London under ——Pthurclj— London, February 27 (9.10 p.m.) In Egypt an enemy column was attacked yesterday at Agagia, southeast of Barrani, by General Lukins, with a column consisting of South Atrican Yeomanry and territorial artillery. The enemy was completely routed; and fled in disorder. Scattered parties are being pursued by our cavalry. Later on our aeroplanes reported them as being eight miles south west of Agagia, and still being pursued.