READY FOR ACTION

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23132, 23 September 1940, Page 8

READY FOR ACTION

NEW ZEALAND TROOPS

IN DESERT

FIELD CAMP NEAR THE SEA

(N.Z.E.P. Official News Service.) CAIRO, September 22. Somewhere in the sunbaked western desert the Ist New Zealand Contingent to-day stands ready for as a complete and distinct fighting formation which will play its part side by side with the recently strengthened British land forc-s in the Middle East Command. Life in modern military camps now seems a thing of the past. The headquarters field camp from whence this message is dispatched, nestles in rolling desert country overlooking the eternally blue waters of the Mediterranean. Our only neighbours are comrades in arms from Britain and the' Empire, with whom the New Zealanders fraternise every night. The camp is typical of those found in the field, and is so reduced to essentials that it could be completely packed and moved at brief notice. Tents and vehicles are widely scattered. The only building is a portable cookhouse erected in sections.

In spite of the curtailment of permanent camp amenities, the troops have lost little in comfort.' A smoothlyrunning supply system ensures the delivery of ample fresh foodstuffs and water, and the cooks are doing a splendid job under the more difficult conditions. A daily swim in the clear warm sea is an unending delight, and since bathing suits are entirely out of fashion here our bodies are becoming bronzed from head to foot.

The temperate climate is free from the oppressive heat encountered inland, and seems conducive to good health. Fifty cigarettes a week are issued to all the troops, who are also no longer required to pay surface letter postage. The contingent is now approaching the end of its first year in khaki, and one week’s leave continues to be granted in rotation to small numbers. Arrangements have been made for cheap city lodgings, and eight days may be spent in Palestine for only £3 10s All ranks are hard and fit and in good spirits. Past and current mails arc arriving regularly.