RESTING TROOPS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 August 1942, Page 4

RESTING TROOPS

INSPECTED BY GENERAL FREYBERG. NEW ZEALANDERS WHO FOUGHT AT RUWEISAT. (NZEF Official War Correspondent.) CAIRO, August 3. This morning some New Zealanders resting far from the battle front were inspected by General Freyberg, who made his first appearance before the troops since he was wounded at Minquar Qaim. He appeared to be well on the road to recovery, though he still had a dressing on the wound at rhe back of his neck. The green surroundings were much different from those of the time when General Freyberg last saw these men. At that time shells were falling on the escarpment where the troops were established, while tanks and infantry were attacking our lines. Some of the men inspected today took part in the famous break through of the surrounding German forces, fought at Ruweisat Ridge. Today their depleted ranks were filled, and the whole parade was impressive. During the inspection General Freyberg frequently stopped to talk with the men, and later briefly addressed the senior N.C.O.’s and officers on various aspects of the campaign. A march-past followed, at which General Freyberg took the salute. _ In command of the parade was an officer who had twice escaped from capture at Ruweisat.