TANKS SURRENDER

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24144, 10 December 1941, Page 9

TANKS SURRENDER

OFFICER'S CAPTURE (Official "War Correspondent, N.Z.E.F.) CAIRO, Dec. 8 Here is a story of German morale—the kind of story that will emerge ill hundreds from this Avar .wherever we meet the enemy on something like equal terms. As New Zealand infantrymen advanced to battle an artillery observer keeping pace with the attack noticed a cluster of 20 tanks in the lee of a slight rise in the desert. They certainly were not part of the attacking force, so he asked his commander, "Do you think we should open on them?" The colonel deliberated and replied, "Keep your eye on them and see what they do." The observing officer turned his attention back to the battle, but as he drew closer to the still stationary tanks his curiosity increased. Armed or dy with a tommy-gun and accompanied by only three men, he walked down among them. There was a German panzer soldier, complete with skull-and-cross-bones lapel badges which distinguish these allegedly fearless German troops in every tcmk. But not ft shot was nreu. The Germans gave themselves up with hands in the air. Covered by a platoon of our light aid detachment, the officer took a party out and found that 18 tanks were in perfect condition. Nine were driven in by New ZealandeYs with tractor experience, but the position was then heavily shelled by the Germans. However we have all the tanks to-day, and crews have been organised m readiness r At°Bir Chleta an Auckland liaison officer was traversing the when 11 enemy soldiers bobbed up in front of him and advanced with hands up "All we pointed at them was my American baby car " he said. * These New Zealanders of ours are amazing. When we were being spasmodically shelled the other day i watched two teams playmg a scratch ™ of Rugbv football in the front line These players, personnel of Divisional Headquarters, showed complete indifference to shells It amounted almost to scorn—until mor tars and shells started to come thick and fast. Then the ball was left where it had been kicked and not a playe could be seen above ground.