N.Z.E.F. IN EGYPT

Grey River Argus, 14 February 1940, Page 8

N.Z.E.F. IN EGYPT

PROCEED TO CAMP ✓ Speeches on Arrival [Aust. & N.Z. Cable Assn.j SUEZ, February 12. The New Zealanders disembarked and journeyed to the newly constructed township of camouflaged tents and wooden huts. They were played into camp by the bands of two battahonj. Nurses from the shins are proceeding direct to t.e camp where wards have been ass.gned. The New Zealand medical staff 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, erec. cd by local labour under army supervision. These comprise kitchens, dining-halls and canteens. All ranks sleep under canvas, four to a tent. General Freyberg s tent is perched on a small knoll in the centre of the camp, command'ng an all-round view.

The amenities include hot and cold shower-baths, cinema, recreation rooms, wireless, table-tennis, darts & newspapers. Supplies of Scotch, ale and tea await 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 has been bought for the protection of food. A swimming bath is being constructed, also a travel bureau, enabling visits to historic places at small cost.

General Freyberg said it must not be thought the troops pre in for an easy time. Strenuous work lies ahead. The men will be kept in training hard, and will have time off only at weekends.

The British Secretary for the Dominions, Mr A. Eden, who flew from England, brought a message from the. King, and read it to New Zea and:rs assembled on the afterdeck of a luxury liner. Addressing the men on behalf of the British Government, Mr Eden said: The nations of the British Commonwealth are now closely knit in common endeavour. In their unity lies the certainty of final victory, and the assurance of better things to come. By your action in crossing the seas, you are sent as the bravest mesage it is in your nations’ power to give. For this, and the spirit in which you come, Brita.-n thanks Australia and New Zealand. Before leaving London, His Majesty charged me to repeat his congratulations on the safe journey and his wishes for your welfare. New Zealand and Atrfralia took their place, the mor" a « + *'var was declared, by the s ; de of the United Kingdom, their sister Dominions and the Allies, in the vital struggle in which we are engaged. It is the simple, clear truth that the Nazi system is based on brute force It is a denial of civilisation. There will be no free life for the peoples of the world until that system is destroyed. The speech was greeted Dy lusty cheers.

General Freyberg, in reply, gave the Maori greeting, “Haeremai.” He akcd Mr Eden to take to His Majesty the keenest appreciation of his message, and to confirm the great loyalty and devotion.

General Ffeyberg expressed th? New Zealand Government’s thanks to the Royal Navy for the care of the troops. He asked Mr Eden to give a message to the gallant comrades of the Australian Imperial Force, convey'ng good wishes,“and say how happy and secure we feel having them on our flanks.”

General Freyberg’s words appear to sum up the general opinion among the New Zealanders: “We are determined to see this job through, although we realise it won’t be an easy one, but we are certain of victory.” Two Days Needed TO DISEMBARK N.Z. TROOPS. (Received February 13, 7 p.m.) SUEZ, February 12. The first party of the New Zealanders reached their camp late in the afternoon. They were very cheerful. They were glad that their journey had ended. Ninety per cent, of them have never hitherto been outside of their native land. Hot meals were awaiting them at camp. Efforts are not being spared to make the troops comfortable, their paliasses being stuffed with Egyptian cotton, instead of straw. The men already are drawing equipment and clothing. Training will begin in earnest next week. The disembarkation will occupy two days. DEATH ON VOYAGE. SUEZ, February 12. A New Zealander, Bombardier Kerr Taylor, died on the voyage from New Zealand, and was buried at sea, with military honours. AH ships flew flags at half-mast. An Australian transport, as a token of smpathy, drew alongside the New Zealand transport, in which Taylor made the voyage. “The New Zealanders are spending their first night in Egypt, after a day full of excitement. Several said they hal all had the voyage of their lives. . The scenes as the armada entered tse 1 ports of call beggared dscription. The 1 police at these ports, paid high tri- ; butes to the troops’ exemplary be- 1 haviour. The troops assumed com- ( plete control at one port, directing i traffic, while ..the populace accordea 1 them a most hysterical welcome. The 5 police stood by smiling. t The troops agreed that the most t outstanding feature of the voyage was extraordinary fraternising between -t New Zealanders, Australians, and the I crew of the French escorting vessel. c

The New Zealanders wer in hilarious mood on arrival _at Suez, and greeted General Freyberg. who had preceded the convov. with found after round of cheers. General Freyberg was amused when, as his launch approached, the troops greeted him with cries, “what’s it like ashore, soldier?” and, “where are the camels.” Mr .Eden was mobbed, after reading the Kings message, one group trying to carry him shoulder-high. Mr Eden’s presence was a great surprise.

It was acknowledged as a fine gesture co the Anzacs.

'e The townpeop’e later gave .the y troops a rousing welcome, as they 3 - marched through the beflaggec y streets. l? MR. EDEN'S VISIT TO EGYPT. t e WELLINGTON, February 13. a When the New Zealand Governjf ment was .advised that the Secretary y. of State for Dominion Affairs, Mr. w A. Eden, would be in Egypt to weln come the First Echelon of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, the 0 Prime Minister Right Hon. M. J. ' Savage, cabled him in these words: ® “Have received with very great , pleasure the news of your visit to welcome the New Zealand and Aus- , tralian troops on arrival there. Your action will, I know, be most warmly appreciated by the New Zealand Troops, and by the public of New Zealand generally, when it becomes known. My warmest personal thanks and best wishes.” To-day Mr. Savage received the following reply, dated yesterday: "Most grateful for your message. I ■ was delighted to see the New Zealand troops this morning looking - splendidly fit and well, and in the i best of spirits. New Zealand may ■ r indeed be proud of this fine force. : : All best wishes.” (Received February 13, 5.5 p.m.) i i LONDON, February 12. i The “Daily Herald” says: “If mass , cruelty in Europe appals, let us re- > member the free British nations, . and remember that Socialist New i Zealand is turning from a great

i social experiment to the grimmer I job of defending the right of free i nations to exist at all. When you . remember the heroic Anzacs of the last war, you will not doubt the issue.” INCIDENTS OF VOYAGE. I WELLINGTON. February 13. j " Mr W. Perry, Dominion President ! of the New Zealand Returned Soli diers’ Association, received the follow- > ing letter from General Freyberg: “Before coming away I received on i behalf of the New Zealand Expedi- ' tionary Force a large number of en- ' couraging telegrams from public bodies, friends, and other well wisn- ; ers. Among them were a large number of telegrams from branches of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association. All these telegrams will be 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 goon wishes from their elder brothers ot the first N.Z.E.F. We. at the present time, are moving across the Tasman 1 isSea with our powerful escort from -the Royal Navy, the Roval Australian i Navy and the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy. Our sjjips make ' a fine display, and there is a general 1 feeling of exhiliration among all ranks, 1 who feel thev are starting a fresh i page in New Zealand history. A long < time will elapse before we return, but we have the feeling that no matter s where we go, we shall have the support and understanding sympathy in t all our doings of our comrades, who 11 took part so valiantly in the last war. (i Good luck and God speed to the Re- c turned Soldiers’ Association.” 1 I Besides giving an idea of the social e

and recreational activities on board the troopship in- which he sailed from New Zealand, Mr H. J. Lodgerwood, a Y.M.C.A. representative, incorporated in the reports which have been received from h m, advice that will be available to the National Patriotic Fund Board, in provision of future comforts for New Zealand troops. Mr Ledgerwood is one of the three Y.M.C.A. officers who accompanied the First Echelon. He ment oned some seasickness, but only once was there reference in his reports to rough weather. Then he described it as extremely rough weather, which meant the postponement of a sports meeting. The gifts officer on the ship was Lieutenant J. H. Dapderson, who was appointed by the Patriotic Funds Board to look after the comforts placed aboard by the Patriotic Funds Board. Similar stocks of comforts also went with other transports, on each of which there was a gift officer. Mr Ledgerwood and Lieutenant Danderson lost no time in having a conference to deal with the promotion of comfort and happiness of soldiers, and drew up proposals which approved bv the O.C. LieutenantColonel F. S. Varnham. A recreation committee was formed, comprising representatives from each unit aboard, and a gifts committee was called together. Arrangements were also made for the establishment of Y.M.C.A. headquarters. Extra reading and writing rooms, and accommo ■ dation for large even’ng entertaln-

ments were arranged and supervised by Mr Ledgerwood. A library was established in Y.M.C.A. headquarters, and reading, writing and musical facilities provided. The first organised community sing took place in the large mess room, and a great crowd turned out.

The morning physical training was inaugurated under Mr Ledgerwood, and a Y ; M.C.A. entertainment committee was formed, comprising one N.C.O. from each unit, to meet daily, and evaluate and promote all the social life of the ship. Mr Ledgerwood reported having had to make visits to the ship’s hospital and taking comforts to many seasick troopers.

On the first Sunday at sea, a song service was attended by nearly 700 men.

As a result of a meeting, the following entertainment activit es were decided upon:—Separate concerts from each unit, comm-Jtnity sings, impromptu speech, light dramatic sketch night, physical perfection parade, mock court, mannequin night, gongem out amateur night, vespers and song services. |

Mr Ledgerwood, in the first report. also mentioned that an orchestra was being formed, a male voice choir, and a mouth organ band. Referring to the organised community sing that had been held, he stated it was an inspiration, about 700 voices■ taking part, and all good ones. He had taught the troops “Bless this House,” and all had agreed to its nightly use as a closing vesper. He also inaugurated the daily news sheer. The first 500 tournament turned out splendidly, 52 tables being in use. In the second report, he said that the morning physical recreation clas3 ( had grown in numbers, and enthusiasm. Of 60 officers aboard, 45 per; cent, attended. In all about 300 took part. He made a daily round of the entire parade decks, and advised on

new methods of recreation. At the first male choir practice, there were 48 voices. The first travel talk was well attended and much appreciated. He mentioned that there was a keen demand for library books. A sports meeting started at 2 p.m. and ended at five. There were five weights >n boxing, and five in wrestling. Other events included mile relay, deck t.nnis singles and doubles, deck quoits singles and doubles, tug of war, drill compet tion, and medicine ball relay. Besides picture entertainments and community sings, 52 tables had taken part in a progressive euchre tournament, and ten tables in a bridge tourney. In addition to making some suggestions to the Y.M.C.A. regarding future equipment, and also to the Patriotic Fund Board for future guidance, ini provision of other comforts, Mr Led-1 gerwood' ment oned that 2000 tins of cigarettes were worth more than any, similar number of other articles.' Plenty of lime juice cordial would be I a great asset and real comfort. He also made suggestions regarding the type of films required for entertainment. He emphas sed that the men appreciated good music, good drama,, and genuine and clever humour. Although his reports relate only to tne position on his own troopship, they give an insight into the shipboard life of some of the New Zealand sol-,' diers, and show how much their lot, is brightened by the provision of little’ extra comforts, for the supply ofi which all New Zealanders are being asked to subscribe. I

LONDON, February 12. The "Daily Telegraph," singling out New Zealand for special compliment with “Haeremai” as the heading, interprets the landing after a prosperous voyage, as a demonstration of. Imperial units, Britain’s command of the seas, and the efficiency of ‘he army, navv and mercantile, marine. It was appropriate when the first New Zealand transport reached Suez, that the Maori greeting “Haeremai” should be vociferously raised; suggesting the obvious English interpretation, “Here am I.” i , .1 .