Gurkhas Use Kukris

Northern Advocate, 10 April 1943, Page 4

Gurkhas Use Kukris

(Official N.Z.E.F. News Service)

CAIRO, April 7

The Indian Division is fighting in the forefront of the battle for Tunisia with the Eighth Army. The division played an important part in operations against the Mareth positions. It operated with conspicuous dash and vigour and its patrol work was of the highest order. The Gurkhas used their kukris to good effect at night. It was officially announced from Algiers that the Indian Division was fighting alongside two British, one New Zealand division and Greek and Fighting French troops. The Indians co-operated in protecting the flank of the New Zealanders in the Matmatas and secured a gorge enabling reinforcements and supplies to be rushed through for the New Zealanders making a flank attack against Rommel's positions before securing the pass. The Indians had to take two mountain peaks which were known to be held by the enemy after heavy fighting on crags, 15,000 ft up in dark occupied positions. Further progress was impeded by demolitions. Heroic work was done by sappers who cleared the road of rocks and mines. The enemy retreated from the post and over 400 prisoners were taken by the Indians. Once again Indian troops have played a part in a smashing victory over Rommel as in the past at El Alamein and other places.

A famous London (Harley Street) specialist’s tribute to the value of tobacco: “The ground on which tobacco holds so firm a footing is that of nearly every luxury it is the least injurious. It does infinitely less harm than opium. It is in no sense worse than tea. Also, a thorough smoker is never a glutton. It brings quiet to the over-worn body and restless mind. The ever-wrought man finds in it a quietus for his exhaustion.” But the doctor insists that tobacco must be “pure.” Well, if purity is to be the criterion, how many of the foreign tobaccos will fill the bill? Brands reeking with nicotine assuredly cannot be considered “pure”! If you want a really pure article, go for the tobaccos grown and manufactured in New Zealand by the National Tobacco Company (pioneers of the New Zealand tobacco industry). Tfardly any nicotine in them because they are toasted. They are peculiarly soothing, cool, fragrant and delicious. Ask for Riverhead Gold, Desert Gold (mild). Navy Cut or Pocket Edition, or Cut Plug No. 10 (full strength). R.P.173