N.Z.E.F. IN MIDDLE EAST

Grey River Argus, 18 June 1942, Page 3

N.Z.E.F. IN MIDDLE EAST

News of Activities

(Official war correspondent, N.Z.E.F.) (Rec. 5.57) JEKUSALBM, June 15. ,

With many thousands of British troops now righting m Lipya, or guarding other ironts in tne Middle Bast, oniy a small representative force remained in Cairo for tnis year s ceiepration of tne King's Birthday. South Airmans, New Zealanders, R.A.F., men of armoured brigades and English and Scottish Units —all takingpart m the Desert campaign —were represented in a march through the city streets.' The New Zealand Division in Syria and N,on-Divisional troops of the Second N.Z.E.F. serving between L.bya and the Red Sea, iwere represented bv about one hundred officers and men of the Base Infantry Army Service Corps Unit, who attended a combined service in All Saints’ cathedral, and then marched past the British Ambassador, Sir. M. Lampson. Thousands lined the pavements or watched from office windows as the troops, in summer uniform, marched to national songs and marches piay•ed by several brass bands, including the New Zealand Base Band and pipers of the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders. The New Zealanders marched past the saluting base to the strains of “Boys From Way Dawn Under.” Behind them were tall Africans, striding along to the famed Springbok song, “Sane.” Distinguished peaked hats of New Zealanders were seen again in the parade when a pidtoon of cadets from •Middle East 0.C.T.U., including men .of the N.Z.E.F. gave the salute. i Guarding the age-old invasion routes into Syria is the 9th Army, including the' New Zealand Division and Australians. There, is no defensive inertia in the Division. It struck ■the enemy hard in the past, and it is yearning to strike him harder still in the future.. In bitter 'winds, on snowfields, and in the leaden heat of the Syrian Desert, New Zealanders have been carrying out intensive tactical training. One week the troops have been lorried infantry in a strong striking force; the next, mountain troops carrying supplies by mules forcing their way long miles over step, scrub-covered wastes. Close air support provides long-range eyes, and artillery land forces add a powerful weapon to the already strong brigade group organisation. , , Two New Zealand brigades have already manoeuvred in Syria as independent striking forces, and a third, which fought five weeks in Libya! as a brigade group, is starting similar training shortly. A feature has been the success of an air support scheme, whereby brigadiers are able to observe .the attack on the enemy far beyond the range of land weapons. Long marches, plenty of digging, and road-making have made New Zealanders brown and fit. Live shooting for all arms has added interest. Occasional changes in position, including a week’s change at the seaside, have relieved tne monontony. The next action will rind one of the most experienced divisions in the British Army at its best.