IST N.Z. CONTINGENT IN LONDON

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 220, 17 September 1938, Page 11 (Supplement)

IST N.Z. CONTINGENT IN LONDON

Enlistment In 1914

ABOUT thin "time in 1914 some young ladies on a bus in London saw, to their apparent amazement, two fully-equipped and armed New Zealanders mount the top of the bus, writes Major F. A. Eustace, Otumoetai, 1 auranga. "(iracious." says one. "limvovor did they get' lien l already?" Later London saw tlie first contingent of 2->0 Diggers. as smart as the Brigade of (inards (witli whom they were temporarily billeted at Chelsea, although they had already established themselves at Sling Camp). The formation of this "advance party" was due to Major Lampen, X.Z.S.C., who by the timely insertion of an advertisement in "The Times." London, had mustered all Diggers in the Old Country. At the office of the High Commissioner they were duly sworn in and enlisted. To uniform and equip this unit, at the time when the rush for arms and equipment was at its height was no mean feat. Except for the old type slouch hat, the rest of the Xew Zealand uniform was turned out to pattern, although it may be assumed these were the only "Diggers" in An/,ae who had riding breeches <-ut, by llarry Hall, the famous West. End taiior. While on Salisbury j'lain the contingent was inspected by Sir George Richardson, who made a hurried visit from his important duties with the War Office in Tjoiidon. Then came the news that the Xew Zealand Expeditionary Force was not after all coming to Salisbury I'lain, and the small force had to welcome. instead, a slightly hilarious Canadian army. Of the Digger guard on tlie canteen during the handing over, we speak in silence—they were the first to see Canadian-Digger co-operation with the Jid off. Wherever they may be scattered now —those of the "First Contingent" who read these lines—Kia Ora.