JOURNEY TO CAMP

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20170, 13 February 1940, Page 7

JOURNEY TO CAMP

HUTS AND TENTS WARM SHOWER BATHS SCOTCH ALE ON TAP CARE OF HEALTH GREAT WAR LESSONS (Reed. Feb. 13, 11.15 a.m.) SUEZ, Feb. 12. The New Zealand troops disembarked from the transports and journeyed to a newly-constructed township of camouflaged tents and wooden huts. They were played into camp by the bands of two battalions. Nurses from the ships are proceeding direct to the camp, where wards have been assigned to the New Zealand medical staff. The site of the camp has been converted in eight weeks from waste into a small township. The layout involves seven miles of tarmac road. There is 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 men to a tent.

Tent of Commander

The tent of the commander, MajorGeneral Freyberg, is perched on a small knoll in the centre of the camp, commanding an all-round view.

Tiie amenities include hot and cold shower baths, a cinema, recreation rooms with wireless, table tennis, darts and newspapers. Supplies of Scotch ale and tea awaited the troops. General Freyberg says that 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 the food. A swimming bath is being constructed and also a travel bureau enabling visits to historic places at small cost.

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 on week-ends.” *