WEARY SOLDIERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 June 1941, Page 5

WEARY SOLDIERS

NEW ZEALANDERS & OTHERS LAND IN EGYPT AFTER MONTHS OF GRIM FIGHTING. AND HARROWING BATTLE FOR CRETE. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) (N.Z.E.F. Official News Service.) CAIRO, May 30. A straggling queue of weary men yesterday filed off the gangway of a naval ship to return to safety after two months of grim, hard fighting in face of the German onslaught. They were troops evacuated from Crete, some of them Nev/ Zeaianders—men who had been through the first campaign in Greece and hard on its heels the harrowing battle for the Cretan island. As they made their way off the ship, at first a mere trickle and then in a long, waving line, they gave the appearance of men who had done a long and arduous job and were ready for a rest. Still, their cheerfulness was in no- way killed. They know that they are better, man for man, than the Germans. and .they are confidently waiting for the day when they meet them on something more like even terms. On their way up the' wharf they were met by representatives of the Y.M.C.A. who handed them cigarettes, chocolate, tea and biscuits. This proved very welcome refreshment to these weary, travel-stained and battle-worn soldiers. These were men who had looked the Nazi war machine in the face twice in close succession. Two short months ago many of them were but boys in heart, if not in years; now they are men in the fullest sense —grim, determined men who more than ever are prepared to fight till the last vestige of Nazism has been effaced from the world. Many were the tales of deeds of heroism quietly told. Many of their experiences they only wished to forget; others will live in their memory for ever. With the hours of darkness another relay of troops came slipping into port, and as the sleek, grey ships came sliding through the gloom there came across the water the skirl of pipes playing a well known Highland air. From those waiting to receive those lads, whose spirit could nevei' be broken, there went out an answering cheer, They had fought long and hard, but their battle was not in vain. Once again a now famous New Zealand brigade was entrusted with the fighting of what has again proved to be a magnificent action.