The Northern Advocate Daily “NORTHLAND FIRST” Registered for transmission through the post as a Newspaper TUESDAY FEBRUARY 13, 1940. N.Z. Troops In Egypt

Northern Advocate, 13 February 1940, Page 4

The Northern Advocate Daily “NORTHLAND FIRST” Registered for transmission through the post as a Newspaper TUESDA Y FEBRUARY 13, 1940. N.Z. Troops In Egypt

TIIE hearts of 'Now Zealanders will throb with pride when they learn that the First Echelon of the Dominion's'Expeditionary Eorcc has arrived safely in Egypt. This announcement sets at rest speculation as to the destination of the men who. sprang to the call of duty when the war drum was beaten by the British Empire. 'The news will send the thoughts of an older generation backover the years to the time when a similar message announced that the ’Main Body of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force had set foot on the soil of Egypt, accompanied by the men of Australia. As Anzaes. these young men from Australia and New Zealand were destined to win imperishable fame, not only on the rugged terrain of Gallipoli, but- on the battlefields of Europe and Asia, and on the islands of the sea. Today, Australians and New Zealanders are together again on the same sands of Egypt, and, as was the case in 1914, they have evidently been chosen to operate in what may well prove to be the decisive theatre of the war. 'Such a statement, of course, is purely speculative, and time alone will reveal the work the Anzaes of today are to be called upon to perform. It goes without saying that they will prove themselves equal to any demand that may be made upon them. In the meantime, it is a matter for thankfulness that so large a body of troops—one of the biggest armies ever transported overseas as a single unit—are now safe on shore and in a position to prepare themselves for whatever task the future may have in store. The safe transportation of the troops hears eloquent testimony to the Allies’ command of the seas. While details of the convoy and the number of warships which participated are not available, New Zealanders are well aware that one of Britain’s most powerful battleships, the Ramillies, was a mighty protector of the Anzaes. That Britain could spare such a ship for such a task is surely further evidence of the strength of the Navy, and constitutes a. fact which must be decidedly disconcerting to the dictator who has brought war to the world. It is clear that everything possible has been done to ensure the safety and comfort of the troops, who have voyaged in luxury which must arouse the envy of old-time campaigners in other overseas wars. Indeed, one New Zealander who took part in the Great War, is reported to have expressed astonishment that he was being paid for travelling in such luxurious style. The Deputy-Prime Minister, in announcing the arrival of Hie troops, stated that everything is being done to ensure that camp conditions in Egypt shall be of as high a standard as possible, though -General Freybcrg. who welcomed the men on their arrival, gave a friendly hint, that the exigencies of active service necessitated the camp being only ‘- partly furnished.” The arrival of the New Zealanders and Australians in Egypt has aroused enthusiasm throughout the Empire, it being interpreted as one proof of the solidarity of the British peoples in the face of a common danger, and their ability to focus military power where it is most needed. The farthing nature of the Empire, once regarded as a source of weakness, is proving a source of strength, as is obvious to all who think of what is happening today—troops from all quarters of the globe hastening to the posts allotted to them by the directors of Allied strategy; airmen rushing to Canada to undergo training at the Empire aviation training centre; sailors training on the Waters' of the Seven Seas; and warship building taking place in faraway Dominions. All these are heartening facts to set against the realisation that a tremendous task unquestionably confronts the Allied nations.