GIFT TO EIGHTH ARMY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25241, 2 June 1943, Page 3

GIFT TO EIGHTH ARMY

NEW CLUB IN' CAIRO EGYPT'S THANKSGIVING (N.Z.E.F. Official News Service) (Rec, 11 p.m.) ' .CAIRO, May 31. . One hundred New Zealanders who took part in the battle of El Alamein and other North African engagements are now enjoying the amenities of the El Alamein Club, Egypt’s thanksgiving gift to the Eighth Army. Glowing tributes to. the New Zealanders and other troops for the successful action against ■ the enemy threat to Egypt were made at the official opening of. the club in the presence of the Prime Minister, Nahas JPasha, Generals Fregberg and Stone* ( Brigadier Chrystall, and other military and Egyptian notables. Lady Freyberg was also present, and a stirring display by the New Zealand pipe band was one of the features of the ceremony. Situated in the Gezira Island garden area of Cairo, the club comprises all the buildings of the Education Department of the Egyptian Government, with full sports, recreational facilities, and social amenities. “ The name of El Alamein will figure amongst the greatest victories of history,” said Nashas Pasha when handing over the club premises. “Almost defeated, the Eighth Army, having lost heavily in men and arms, turned defeat into victory. You splendid soldiers, who have paid by your sacrifices and efforts the price of this victory, we thank you for it.” Other speakers stressed that the name El Alamein signified deliverance and freedom for the people of Egypt, whose life had been made worth living by the sufferings and sacrifices of many brave soldiers, sailors, and airmen. There was no longer need to look back to history to write epic stories and poems. Wavell, Wilson. Alexander, Montgomery, Freyberg, Tedder, Cunningham, and Eisenhower could vie .with many names in history.