ARRIVAL IN GREECE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 April 1941, Page 6

ARRIVAL IN GREECE

NEW ZEALAND TROOPS WELCOMED MEDITERRANEAN PASSAGE UNDER SECURE PROTECTION OF NAVY. (Received This Day, 11.20 a.m.) (From the Official War Correspondent with the Now Zealand Expeditionary Force in Greece). ATHENS. April 7 ; Farewelled by Egypt, first with the rarity of heavy rain and then, more familiarly, with one of the worst dust storms they had known, New Zealand troops cheered at the sight of the green hills of Greece as their ships threaded their way through clusters of little islands which dot the sea approaches. Greece gave them a welcome, whose warmth was reminiscent of farewell parades in New Zealand cities.

Children held flags, and girls threw flowers, while the troops, whistling and singing as they marched, waved happily in reply. The journey from Egypt to Greece was made uneventfully. under the secure protection of the Royal Navy, and so well guarded were the expedition’s plans that the first definite indication that the men received of their destination was contained in an inspiring message communicated to them aboard ship, pointing out the possibility of their meeting their real enemy —the German land forces.

With few signs to indicate anything more than manoeuvres whence they would return in a matter of days or weeks, unit after unit of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, fully equipped and ready for action, slipped quietly away from their camp in the Nile Valley on an expedition cloaked in the utmost secrecy. The first stage of the journey ended in a transit camp within sight of the Mediterranean, where New Zealanders and other Imperial troops settled down to the colossal task of slinging their transport equipment aboard ships lying at a nearby port. After the journey to Greece had been made swiftly, the troops disembarked at a quiet harbour from which they had a ten-mile march to camp. The march was like a victory procession, through densely crowded, cheering people, and in the opposite direction trudged a long, silent column of Italian prisoners from Albania. The contrast tickled Greek humour and the crowd gave the Now Zealanders the thumbs up sign, while they turned to the defeated Italians with their thumbs pointing down. Tonight wo settled down on grassy, wooded slopes, awaiting orders to move to battle stations.

NURSING UNITS LANDED WITH FORCES. TROOPS PREPARING TO MEET GERMANS. (Received This Day, 11 a.m.) LONDON. April 8. Not a day passes without the arival of more New Zealand and Australian troops at Greek ports, from which they are speedily transported to prearranged positions. Dominion nursing units, in addition to large numbers of British nurses, have landed with the forces.

The British United Press correspondent at Athens says strong reinforcements. which have arrived since the earlier contingent ' disembarked, are preparing to met the Germans in the Macedonian mountains. The British land forces have not yet made contact, with the enemy, and as far as can be ascertained are moving from various points in accordance with the strategy required by the general situation. The German Air Force has not interfered with the regular passage of troops and munitions. Many Italian guns and ammunition captured in Africa have helped to swell the vast amount of material flowing freely across the Mediterranean under the protection of squadrons of cruisers, and destroyers. All types of vessels, from luxury diners to battered tramp steamers are being used to transport troops and supplies across the Mediterranean. Greek dock labourers are performing sterling work day and night, speeding the disembarkation. Heavy artillery, motor transport and mechanised units are thundering along the streets of the Greek ports. Columns of Dominion troops have aroused fervent enthusiasm in all sections. The Empire representatives include Palestinians and Cypriots. Smiling Maoris especially. appealed to the crowds.

A special correspondent who accompanied the strong force of Dominion troops across the Mediterranean says the naval escorts were constantly weaving their way round the transports, protecting them from enemy attacks. Once they 7 fought oil' hostile planes for two hours. The first attack came in the fading light of evening, when a single' plane, with great audacity. Hew low through a hail of anti-aircraft fire and attempted to torpedo a transport. Later a squadron of bombers appeared at a great height and attacked the convoy without success.