N.Z.E.F. IN EGYPT

Grey River Argus, 29 July 1940, Page 10

N.Z.E.F. IN EGYPT

Move to New Quarters ‘‘FOR BETTER FOR WORSE” The New Zealand troop s in Egypt hav 0 shifted camp. And so, too, apparently, have their constant companions—the flies—along with heavy reinforcements. “When in Maadi we had them in thousands,” writes a Wellington member of the N.Z.E.F “Now they attack us in their persistent maddening millions.” A change is beneficial. In this case: “W>e have moved away from Cairo and are now ‘somewhere in Egypt ’and liking the country fess than ever. If Hell is any worse than this place, I think I-shall have to start and mend my ways.!” There is more to that first impression of the new surroundings, but the New Zealand soldier tells also of compensating features, of which a dip in the briny is one. In spite of the pests and other discomforts, it is with a grand spirit that “a job of work” is being done in the heat—more than plenty of that—and burden —plenty, too —of the Egyptian day. TRYING CO.NDJTIONS. “Really I have never written a letter under such unpleasant circumstances as now,” the soldier states. “After almost every word I have to pause and wave away the flies—a useless gesture, for they just come back again. We are almost b«yond the stag e of swearing at them. “Outside a Khamsen is blowing—a real dust storm, not just the gentle zephyrs w r e have experienced beforeWe arrived here som e days ago right in the middle of one. In the blinding, filthy dust we had to pitch our tents, endeavour to cook some food, and get some rest. Yesterday afternoon another sprang up and has continued into to-day, making work or training impossible. At their worst these storms are almost unbelievable There are times when one literally cannot see ten feet ahead for dust. Naturally, it just gets into everything, and we live in a state of continuous filth. “When one adds to that the heat, the flies, and the absence of normal comforts, such as a reasonable supply of water, you can perhaps appreciate why the view s we hold of this country are hardly fit for publication. Inevitably our thoughts and conversations turn frequently to New Zealand, which more than ever seems a , dise! PREFERABLE TO INACTION. “I wonder how unpleasant all this seems to you. It is, indeed, and more than I can possibly describe, but only one who has experienced what w P ate having now could really appreciate just how bad thi s country can be. “And vet. with all its many and very real discomforts, we are quite enjoying the life here, and certainly much prefer it to the inaction of Cairo. We are, of course, well cut off from’the world, though we receive odd papers and wireless news. One result is that there are rumours of all shapes and kinds about. I can, of course, say nothing other than to assure you there is definitely no need for you to worry. We b a ave a certain job to do, and when that is finished I have no idea what our next move will be. Meantime, we are working

really hard, and at times it is fairly tough, as we have long hours and quit e often work during the heat of the day. Yet, we are as fit as fiddles and very pleased to be here. THE SEA A “LIFE-SAVER.” “It is not only the change, bringing with it that break in the soldier’s curse—monotony. W e are near the sea and have wonderful swimming. This is indeed a life-saver; without it, this place would be a hell on earth. After months inland, with desert all around us and the only water the dirty Nile, the blue Mediterranean was a great relief. Near us we have a good beach and th 0 water is wonderfully clear. When there is time, I have a dip before breakfast. During the day, with the perspiration pouring off one and no shade or shelter available, the thought of that cool water keeps us going. And it does not let us down! But for that, I shudder to think of the accumulated dirt and grime on me. It is bad enough in any case. A minute in the water and the discomforts of the day are forgotten, and all is well. “And so it is that the sea, the change, and a certain amount of ac1 tivity makes us really enjoy life here. But what these lad s put up. with and do is amazing and shows so clearly the spirit they have. New Zealand can hav e no idea oi some of the discomforts they are putting up with cheerfully and still doing a good job of work When w e first arrived water was fairly scarce. I used to shave, clean my teech and wash on half a cupful. It wa s all important to keep the remainder for drinking. By now things have improved, but, of course, anything like a proper wa=h in fresh water is out of the question. .. : . . A LONGING FOR LAMB. “One improvises out of anything, and with a little ingenuity we have cur own mess going fairly well considering we are on Army rations. I have a prodigious but It never seems to be at the right time and often have I wished for a hot pie or a steak such as on© ut>;d to take as a matter of course. The mea. we all want is New Zealand lamb, peas, and new potatoes! You would be surprised if you knew how often we discuss the things we would like to eat, drink, and do when we return to New Zealand. More than ever, is that our ruling wish, though a wish it appears to be and no more. “We ris e at dawn and are working shortly after, hoping to get a* much done as we can in the co °i °£ the a yThe work is hard. Twilight is short and with darkness comes a complete black-out. To my ‘couch’—a hole dug in the ground-—at about 9 p.m.. and I sleep like a log. I don’t miss being away from the comforts of town at all, but before long I can see myself positively pining for a bath, food not out of tins and served on clean pjajttes, and cool drinks; served, in comfort. Meantime. I am just ridiculously fit.”