NEW ZEALANDERS' PART

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 15, 18 January 1941, Page 8

NEW ZEALANDERS' PART

While the part played by the New Zealand forces in the great British offensive in the Western -Desert may not have been so spectacular as that of the Australians at Bardia, it has none the less been important and useful. In a campaign over vast distances the maintenance of communications and supply to a large army is absolutely essential to its success, and the New Zealanders, from all accounts, have had a large share in the work of transporting troops, food, munitions, and materials across the hundreds of miles of desert between the railhead at Mersa Matruh and Bardia and now Tobruk. A message from London yesterday paid a high tribute to the organisation of British transport in this region, describing it as "one of the greatest achievements of the last four weeks." This work of driving motor lorries along desert roads and tracks in all weathers, inrluding dust storms and i-ain, is extremely arduous and not without its dangers, especially from air attack. Fortunately, the R.A.F. by its extensive operations has kept the enemy air force at bay or on the ground, but the New Zealanders have done their job well enough to win the title of the "Colonial Carrying Co." from the troops. Their job is not finished, for as the front moves westward transport must follow. We can be sure the New Zealanderg will carry on the good work and add to the reputation they have already earned.