EAGER TO FIGHT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 87, 14 April 1941, Page 3

EAGER TO FIGHT.

DOMINION TROOPS.

"DIGGING IN" IN GREECE

' F l°j? the o( sc ial War Correspondent with the N.Z.E.F. in Oreece ; Cable and Wireless,

Limited)

ATHENS, April 12

I ain writing 11*0111 a Greek village on April 7. The Xew Zealand forces look foi waid to contact with the enoinv in a

spirit of undisguised eagerness.

I lie Xew Zealandcrs. who oceupv an important sector in tlie Graeco-British bulwark against German aggression, took battle ,stations in days made tense by the uncertainty of the Balkan situation, however remote the war then seemed fi oiii this pleasant, old-world countryside. As always, digging was the first order of the day, since earthworks had t" built and country lanes converted

into military roads

Y\ liile the majority of the troops soon made homes in dug-outs or under canvas, by streams or thickets, most of the headquarters are temporarily e-tablished in villages like this, with the staffs billeted in cottages, schools and stores. Here the headquarters of the oldest infantry bi functioned from the municipal building, where the village elders still met and the postmaster continued his duties. Treated Like Own Sons. ith the same warm friendliness which the Xew Zealanders have received e\ei since they landcjd, the villagers took scores of our men into their homes like their uwn sons, so many of whom are serving at the front.

1 he troops have not ceased to marvel at the complete contrast between here and Egypt in climate, surroundings and ways of living. Typical comment is: Only one country could seem more like home."'

J he New Zealanders have been amazed and deeply impressed by the wholehearted intensity of the Greek war effort. In fields and towns, every member of the community seems to be bearing with cheerful fortitude the extra burden of work, which must be shared among them as the result of the devotion of manpower to the rout of the enemies. Women and young boys are everywhere doiii" mens work, while countless girls become the "little housewives" 7 of the nation.

Even in the humblest peasant folk the war has thrown intu striking relief qualities of nobility and endurance which make Xew Zealanders proud to stand beside them in the common cause.