ARMY OF NILE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20526, 9 April 1941, Page 7

ARMY OF NILE

GREEK PENINSULA STRONGLY ENTRENCHED CONSTANT ARRIVALS NFAV ZEALAND TROOPS (Reed. April 9. 11.50 a.m.) LONDON, April 8. A special correspondent ot the Associated Press of Great Britain in Athens says that the British Army in Greece is spread over a large part of the Peninsula and was already strongly entrenched.

It comprised the best part of the Army of the Nile with many special units drawn from all parts of the Empire.

Not a day passes without the arrival ot more New Zealand and Australian troops at Greek ports, from which they arc speedily transported to prearranged positions.

Dominion nursing units, in addition to large numbers of British nurses, landed with the forces.

The British United Press correspondent at Athens says that strong reinforcements which arrived since the earlier contingent disembarked are preparing to meet the Germans in the Macedonian mountains. The British land forces have not yet made contact with the enemy and as far as can be ascertained are moving from various points in accordance with the strategy required by the general situation. Crossing - of Mediterranean The German ail - force has not interfered with the regular passage of troops and munitions. Many Italian guns and much ammunition captured in Africa lias helped to swell the vast amount of material flowing freely across the Mediterranean under the protection of squadrons of cruisers and destroyers. All types of vessels, from luxury liners to battered tramp steamers, are being used to transport troops and supplies across the Mediterranean. Greek dock labourers are performing sterling work day and night in speeding the disembarkation. Heavy artillery, motor transport and mechanised units are thundering along the streets of the Greek ports.

The columns of Dominion troops have aroused fervent enthusiasm. All sections of the Empire are represented, including Palestinians and Cypriots. The smiling Maoris especially appealed to the crowds. A special correspondent who accompanied a strong force of Dominion troops across the Mediterranean says that the naval escorts constantly weaved their way round the transports, protecting them from enemy attacks. They once fought off hostile planes for two hours. The first attack came in the fading light of the evening when a single plane with great audacity flew low through a hail of anti-aircraft fire and attempted to torpedo a transport. Later a squadron of bombers appeared ai a great height and attacked the convoy without success.