N.Z.E.F. IN EGYPT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 May 1941, Page 6

N.Z.E.F. IN EGYPT

CELEBRATION OF SECOND EASTER. RELAXATION FROM TRAINING. (N.Z.E.F. Official News Service.) CAIRO. April 18. For the second Easter observed in the Middle East New Zealand troops at their Base Camp were favoured with weather which would probably have made those at home quite envious, for here it marked the end of the official winter season for the army. This means that the troops are wearing dri’l uniforms instead of battle-dress, and the summer timetable, with early rising and compulsory rest of two hours in the afternoon, has come into force. The sun shone with a zest that is usually absent by some trick of fortune at home and those who could be spared from essential duties were able to make sight-seeing excursions around Cairo and parties were organised for tours to places further afield such as Alexandria. Largely attended voluntary church services were held on Good Friday and there were the customary parade services on the Sunday. A New Zealand Army XI. played a cricket match against the Gezira Sporting Club and finished with a comfortable four-wicket margin. Sharpley, the well known Hawke’s Bay champion, competed at the annual athletic meeting at the Farouk Stadium. Cairo, winning the 110 yards hurdles in 15 3-10 sec against fairly strong opposition. The slight relaxation from training was very much appreciated by the troops, who are preparing themselves for the day when they will join the Division. Reveille is now at 5 a.m. with breakfast half an hour later and the first parade for instruction at 6.30. A break comes at 10 o’clock for 30 minutes, when it is possible to obtain a light meal, and morning training ceases at 12.30 p.m. From 2.30. till 4 o’clock there is a period of compulsory rest followed by organised recreational activity for an hour and a half, men not on duty being free from G p.m. till lights out.