A.I.F. MEN IN EGYPT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20378, 15 October 1940, Page 2

A.I.F. MEN IN EGYPT

SOON SETTLED DO»WN desire Fbk Actlon j CAIRO, Sept. 10. Egypt has rapidly become used to the sight of thousands- of lean, hardbitten. Australian; troops, Who have arrived here with the thousands of other British soldiers to strengthen the Egyptian garrison. . The men’s behaviour and bearing have created a fine iihpressiom and they have been welcomed with an enthusiasm which recalled preembarkation days in Australia. “The men 1 , have been straining at the leash for months, especially since Italy declared war,!’ said a brigadier to-day. . “I am confident that they will give a good account .of themselves When they are called oh to . do so. Their, morale is of.the highest they 'are as hard as hard training can make them, and they look forward to battle with the . same . light-hearted confidence and the same eagerness, thinly disguised by jest or curse, as I remember in the lads 1 served with 20 odd years ago.” British officers to yybom the. writer has spoken, are genuinely pleased to have the Australians here. A major of a famous Scottish, regiment .Which distinguished itself during the Somaliland evacuation said to the writer last night: “I wish we had had a couple of battalions of your boys there. They should ;be, the very fellows for this kind of fighting, where initiative' and bushcrafi are at a premium. I am looking forward to seeing them in action against the Italians.” .The Australians’ tents are pitched in , real desert country. The camp areas, are just sand, without a blade of grass or. a. vestige or growth of any kind to relieve the eye. And when the wind blows driven sand almost obscures the tents. Once again with the granting .of Cairo leave slouch hats are a familiar sight in the streets of the capital, and Egyptians are renewing acquaintance With Australian soldiers after the lapse of a quarter of a century. The behaviour of the majority of the men, has been exemplary, and Egyptian of all classes have given the A.I.F. a very friendly welcome.