ASSIGNMENTS IN THE DESERT

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 249, 29 July 1940, Page 5

ASSIGNMENTS IN THE DESERT

(Per Press Association). WELLINGTON, This Day. The following dispatch from the New Zealand Expeditionary Force official news service, dated Egypt, July 28, has been received: Although the only contact with the enemy has been through ■ afiriai bombing raids, in which they generally have been merely eye-witnesses, various sections of the New Zealand Forces have played important roles behind the scenes in the British land operations in the western desert. Details of these activities may not be revealed, but hundreds of members of the First Contingent now proudly claim experience in the field. Some have actually been engaged on special assignments since the critical days before Italy entered the war. Admiration for the keenness and efficiency of the New Zea- 1 landers in all activities in the western desert has been expressed by English officers. The New Zealanders have enjoyed this new phase of their military career. They have become versed in varying degrees in the hardships of the desert, but they have been living under the best possible conditions, often within easy reach of the sea. Many speak of air raids as commonplace, though usually distant, spectacles. Memorable scenes of activity mark the exodus of sections from the training camp near Cairo. The departure of long columns of lorries, cars, and motor-cycles, often in the first light of day, has become a common sight as parties begin motorised treks covering hundreds of miles.