FRIENDLY CONTACT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 December 1943, Page 4

FRIENDLY CONTACT

NEW ZEALAND TROOPS & ITALIANS SURROUNDINGS ALMOST familiar. TRAGEDY OF “LITTLE PEOPLE.” (NZEF Official News Service.) CAIRO. On arrival at their temporary camp in southern Italy, the New Zealanders found themselves in almost surroundings, such as Mussolini had reproduced in his African empire. The weather was as mild and sunny as the best early summer days in New Zealand, and in the fields _ crops were sprouting. Army vehicles seemed strangely out of place in the courtyard round which flows the life of the farm. The troops were wakened early by almost-forgotten farm smells, the scent of sage and the lowing of cattle. The people generally were surprisingly friendly and outspoken. Chiefly by vogorous demonstration, they tell how the Germans blew up Naples, bombed unprotected towns and deprived their former allies of food,*clothing and other necessities. Prominently displayed in the town were many posters bearing the head of Garibaldi and exhortations to the people to remember their true friends. The Fascist had vanished or had been defaced. The New Zealanders’ own Y.M.C.A. was established opposite a magnificent war-memorial, where they could drink tea, eat a haversack lunch, and leave their packs. AH the New Zealanders, like the other Allied troops, carried their own lunch because of the food shortage. The men spent most of the days 'in belated Christmas shopping in an atmosphere full of surprises, and they soon discovered that glassware, pickles, morocco and lather goods were absurdly cheap by Egyptian standards. It was noticeable, nevertheless, that many of the shops ( were poorly stocked, and all the butchers were closed.

Meat, milk and dairy produce, grain and flour and many other foodstuffs are unprocurable. To all inquiries shop-keepers reply in pantomine that the Germans took everything. The only foodstuffs being sold are almond toffee, macaroons, ersatz coffee, and marshmallow, while rough meal, spaghetti, soup, fish and red wine are obtainable in back-street cafes.

It is when they talk of their misfortunes that one realises the great tragedy of the little people of Italy who had no interest in empire expansion, who wished only to live their own lives and who are the greatest sufferers in the war. Many stories of German atrocities are current among these people. Southern Italians believe these stories and hate the Germans whole heartedly. Many New Zealanders, who before were unconvinced, are now prepared to let bygones be bygones and admit Italy to the ranks of the freed countries.

The New- Zealand troops did not travel to Italy as for an invasion but in several convoys, within each of which units were dispersed to avoid crippling losses. The main body left Alexandria and as a black-out was not enforced till late many did not realise they were under way till they woke in the morning to see the coastline fading. The weather throughout the voyage remained perfect with clear skies and little motion of ships. The usual physical training was carried out, along with a variety of games. The afternoons were spent in “Housey” and “Quiz” and the evenings in community singing. Many concerts were held, the Maoris being in particularly strong demand. Apart from physical training and boat drill the troops were left to their own devices.