EL ALAMEIN CLUB

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 June 1943, Page 3

EL ALAMEIN CLUB

EGYPT’S THANKSGIVING , GIFT. TO THE EIGHTH ARMY. (N.Z.E.F. Official News Service.) CAIRO, May 31. One hundred New Zealand campaigners who took part in the battle of El Alamein and other North African engagements are now enjoying the amenities of the El Alamein Club, Egypt’s thanksgiving gift to the Eighth Army. Glowing tributes to the New Zealanders and othei’ troops for the successful action against the enemy threat to Egypt were made at the official opening of the club in the presence of the Prime Minister, (Nahas Pasha). Lord Killearn, General Sir. Henry Maitland Wilson, Lieut.-Gener-als Sir Bernard Freyberg and R. G. W. H. Stone, Brigadier Chrystall, and other military and Egyptian notables. Lady Freyberg was also present, and a stirring display by the New Zealand Pipe Band was one of the features of the ceremony. Situated on Gezira Island, the garden area of Cairo, the club comprises all the buildings of the Education Department of the Egyptian Government, with full sports and recreational facilities and social amenities.

“The name of El Alamein will figure among the greatest victories of history,” said Nahas Pasha, in handing over the club premises. “An almost defeated Eighth Army, having lost heavily in men and arms, turned defeat into victory. You are splendid soldiers who have paid by your sacrifices and efforts the price of this victory. We thank you for it.” Other speakers stressed that the name El Alamein signified deliverance and freedom for the people of Egypt, whose life had been made worth living by the sufferings and sacrifices of many brave soldiers, sailors and airmen. There was no longer any need to look back to history to write epic stories and poems. Generals Wavell, Wilson, Alexander, Montomcry and Freyberg. Air Chief Marshal Tedder, Admiral Cunningham and General Eisenhower could vie with many names in history.