DESERT STATION

Taranaki Daily News, 23 September 1940, Page 8

DESERT STATION

By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.

NEW ZEALAND TROOPS MEDITERRANEAN SHORE SMOOTH SUPPLY PLANS

N.Z.E.F. Official News Service. Cairo, Sept. 20. Somewhere in the sun-baked Western Desert the first New Zealand contingent to-day stands ready for action as a coniplete and distinot fighting formation which will play its part side by side with the recently strengthened British land forces in the Middle East. Life in modern military camps now seems a thing of the past. The headquarters of the field ramp whence this message is dispatched nestles in rolling desert country overlooking the eternally blue waters of the Mediterranean. Our only neighbours are comrades^ in arms from Britain and the Empire with whom New Zealanders fratemise every night. Only One Building. The camp is typical of those found in the field and is so redu'ced* 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 cookhohse erected in sections. r Despite the curtailment of permanent amenities the troops lose little in comfort. A smoothly running supply system ensuxes the delivery of ample fresh foodstuffs and water, and the cooks are doing a splendid job under more 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 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 and eight days may be spent in Palestine for only £3 10s. . All ranks are hard and fit and m good spirits. Past and current mails are arriving regularly.