THE NEW ANZACS

Evening Star, Issue 23499, 13 February 1940, Page 4

THE NEW ANZACS

ARRIVAL AT SUEZ DOMINION TROOPS LAND FIRST MET BY MAJOR-GENERAL FREYBERG Press Association—By Telegraph—Coyprighfc SUEZ, February 12. (Received February 13, at 8 a.m.) One of the biggest armies which has ever crossed the seas in a single unit arrived here to-day. It consisted of the Second Australian Imperial Force and the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force, The port was crowded with the grey hulls of liners converted into transports and with the escorting British warships. When they dropped anchor after the 10,000mile voyage the masts of the great armada could be seen swaying as far as eye could reach. A message of greeting from the King was taken aboard the first New Zealand transport to arrive. The fleet’s arrival galvanised the port into intense activity. Troops massed on the decks singing and waving to those ashore. “Diggers,” famed for their toughness, had been sleeping for weeks in downy bunks in the first class cabins of luxury transport liners. Nevertheless, there was a general feeling of relief; among the men that the long period of inaction was coming to an end. A hefty New Zealander who was wounded in the Gallipoli campaign remarked ; “ It beats mo that we are being paid for this cruise. Now for some training and we shall be ready for anything—plenty of dirt for the eye of Adolf,” The New Zealanders lauded first, the Australians going ashore later. Major-general Freyberg, the first to go aboard the leading New Zealand transport, gave a friendly warning to the troops that the camp to which they were going was only partly finished, but he knew they would realise that they, were now on active service. Major-general Freyberg paid a warm tribute to the British troops, through whoso efforts the conditions in camp had been greatly improved and who were preparing not meals for the arrival of their brothers ' from the Dominion. The King’s message to the General Officer Commanding the New Zealand Expeditionary Force read: “ I know well that the splendid tradition established by the armed forces of New Zealand will be worthily upheld by you who have left your homes to fight for the cause which the whole Empire has made its own. I send you a warm welcome and best wishes.

CAMP AMENITIES. The New Zealanders disembarked and journeyed to a newly-constnjcted township of camouflaged tents • and wooden huts. They were played into camp by the bands of two battalions. The nurses from the ships are proceeding direct to camp, where wards have been assigned the New Zealand medical staff. The site has been converted in eight weeks from waste into a small township. The layout involves seven miles of tarmac road, a complete sterilised water system, and four miles of drains. There are more than 150 huts erected by local labour under army supervision. These comprise kitchens, dining halls, and canteens. All ranks sleep under canvas, four to a tent. Major-general Freyberg’s tent is perched on a small knoll in the centre of the camp commanding an all-round view. The amenities include hot and cold shower-baths, a cinema, recreation rooms, wireless, table tennis, darts, and newspapers. Supplies of Scotch ale and tea await the troops. CARE OF HEALTH. Major-general Freyberg says, profiting by the experience of the Great War, the greatest care is being taken of the health of the troops. Dishes are sterilised daily. Each man receives a few drops of creosol disinfectant for his hands before every meal. Sixteen miles of butter muslin have been bought for the protection of food. A swimming bath is being constructed, and also a travel bureau, enabling visits to historic places at small cost. STRENUOUS WORK AHEAD. Major-general Freyberg said: “It must not be thought that the troops are in for an easy time. Strenuous

work lies ahead. The men will be kept training hard, and will have time off only during week-ends.” MR EDEN’S WELCOME. Mr Eden, who flew from England, addressing the men on behalf of the British Government, said “ The nations of the British Commonwealth are now closely knit in a common endeavour. In their unity lies the certainty of final victory and assurance of better things to come. By your action in crossing the seas you are sent as the bravest message it is in your nation’s power to give. For this, and the spirit in which you come, Britain thanks Australia and New. Zealand. The speech was greeted with lusty cheers. Major-general Freyberg’s words appear to sum up the general opinion among New Zealanders; “We are determined to see this job through, although wo realise it won’t be an easy one, but we are certain of victory.” GRATITUDE TO ROYAL NAVY NEW ZEALAND G.O.C.’S APPRECIATION SUEZ, February 12,. (Received February 13, at 12.5 p.m.) With Mr Eden at Suez were Sir Miles Lampson (British Ambassador in Cairo), General Wavell, and Mr Bromley, the governor of the Suez Canal and military governor of Suez. They boarded the first transport to arrive, which was a New Zealander. Sir Miles Lampson, standing on the afterhatch, read the King’s message. Mr Eden, welcoming the troops, said; “ Before leaving London His Majesty charged me to repeat his congratulations on your safe journey and his wishes for your welfare; . New Zealand and Australia took the place the moment war was declared side by side with the United Kingdom and their sister dominions and allies in the vital struggle in which we are engaged. It is a simple and clear truth that the Nazi system is based on brute force. It is a denial of civilisation. There will ho no free life for the peoples of the world until that system is destroyed.” Major-general Freyberg, in reply, gave the Maori greeting “ Haeremail” He asked Mr Eden to take to His Majesty the keenest appreciation - of his message, and confirm the troops’ great loyalty and devotion. He expressed the New Zealand Government’s thanks to the Royal Navy for its care of the troops. He asked Mr Eden to give the message to their gallant comrades of the Australian Imperial Force, conveying good wishes, “and saying how happy and secure wo feel at having them ,on our flanks,” MESSAGE FROM G.O.C. STARTING FRESH PAGE OF HISTORY . [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, February 13, .

The Hon. W. Perry, Dominion president of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association, has received the following letter from General Freyberg:— “ Before coming away I received, on behalf of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, a large number of encouraging telegrams from public bodies, friends, and other wellwishers. Among them were a large number of telegrams from branches of the Returned Soldiers’ Association, All these telegrams will bo replied to as soon as time allows, but I feel I should like to send to you, as president of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association, my deepest personal appreciation, as well as that of all ranks of the Second N.Z.E.F., for the messages of good wishes from their elder brothers of the First N.Z.E.F. “ We at the present time are moving across the sea with our powerful escort from the Royal Navy, the Royal Australian Navy, and the New; Zealand Division of the Royal Navy. Our ships make a fine display, and there is a general feeling of exhilaration among all ranks, who feel that they are starting a fresh page in New Zealand history. A long time will elapse before we return, but we have a feeling that, no matter where we go, we shall have the support and understanding sympathy, in all our doings, of our comrades who took part so valiantly in the last war. Good luck and Godspeed to the Returned Soldiers’ Association.”