MOM BATTALION FIRST TO GO ASHORE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 146, 21 June 1940, Page 5

MOM BATTALION FIRST TO GO ASHORE.

IN FIGHTING KIT. Force In Camp Their Fathers Knew Well. INTENSE TRAINING SOON. United Press Association. —Copyright. (Received 11 a.m.) LONDON, June 20. The Maori battalion -was the firsi of the New Zealanders ashore. Theu appearance and bearing 1 made a pro found impression, and they sang their own battalion song, composet by a member on the departure fron New Zealand. They came ashore ii full fighting kit. The New Zealanders were mor< serious than the Australians, and dis embarked in a most orderly fashion The Australians were singing riotously "Roll Out the Barrel," "Kiss Me Good Xight Sergeant-Major," then, to th< delight of the onlookers, "Waltzinj Matilda," The troops are now encamped. Houi after hour they poured into theu separate camps in a part of England thai their fathers knew so well. Senior officers enthusiastically praised the rapidity with which the British military authori ties has prepared the camps. It was al fashioned within a fortnight. Hot an< cold and running water is installed, ant dry and wet canteens have been estab lished. Intense training will start in tw< or three days. "We-are here to fight and we don'i mind where," is the way they approacl the war. The Associated Press correspondent with the troops says: "This is the mes sage I would send to their relatives ii Australia and New Zealand: The boy are in splendid shape. They are eagei and ready to get their training done an< into battle. They like this country. are well quartered. They are determine* not to let down you or their comrades'.' As the troop trains passed througl populated areas every window and doo was crowded with waving, cheerinj civilians.