EGYPT TO SYRIA

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 51, Issue 3153, 5 August 1942, Page 5

EGYPT TO SYRIA

TURUA SOLDIER’S TRIP PTE. K. HAMILTON WRITES . Writing to his parents at Turua, Private Keith W. Hamilton described an interesting trip he had recently from Egypt to Syria. “On the road,” states Private Hamilton, “we passed an ancient Roman water-race, which brought water to Palestine. It has the appearance of a brick wall, with arches under it, and it is as good to-day as when it was built.

“We also visited Damascus, which is about 70 miles from Beirut, and the road goes over the mountains most of the way. There was snow beside the road in places. It was the first time I have seen snow, and fancy having to come to Syria to see it! The road passed through a plain or valley, which is sometimes called the Valley of the Seven Rivers. Coming down on to the plains, which can first be seen thousands of feet up the mountains, they look refreshingly green. In some places, if a car went over the side of the road it would drop 1000 ft. The road passed through scenes of much of last year’s fighting, and the journey was very interesting.

'Private Hamilton also mentions having met E. Olsen, of Turua, who was fit and well.