N.Z.E.F. IN ENGLAND

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 113, 8 November 1940, Page 8

N.Z.E.F. IN ENGLAND

WINTER PROGRAMME

REST AND RECREATION

INLAND QUARTERS

(From the Official War Correspondent with the New Zealand Forces in Britain.) ENGLAND, November 6. ] After two months in the field as part of Britain's forward defence force the New Zealanders have been withdrawn inland for rest and refitting. All are living either in requisitioned empty houses or in speciallybuilt Nissen huts. The great majority are in houses, many of which are first-class. A few days are being allowed for settling in and making the' premises comfortable, after which attention will be given to clothing, equipment, and the completion of leave. . Every man's battle dress will be professionally cleaned without charge to him. The granting of seven days' leave to 10 per cent, of the strength of the forces weekly was interrupted by the move to the coast at the beginning of September. Within the next few weeks, before the winter - begins in earnest, all men who have not had this leave will get It. The winter training programme is necessarily more restricted than that followed, during the summer. Nevertheless, there will be plenty to keep the men's minds occupied and N their bodies fit — for a start they will return to the parade ground for a brush up in drill and generally to smarten their appearances, which were of secondary importance in the invasion belt. Thereafter weapon training, route marches, and organised games will be the mainstay of the working day. In the evening every unit will have the use of a well-heated room for reading, writing, and indoor recreation. Regular entertainment will be organised. Men wishing something a little more serious are offered facilities for free attendance at technical commercial, language, and art classes at civilian technical colleges.