STANDING READY FOR ACTION

Southland Times, Issue 24238, 23 September 1940, Page 6

STANDING READY FOR ACTION

N.Z. Contingent In Egypt AMPLE FRESH FOOD AND WATER (N.Z.E.F. Official News Service) CAIRO, September 20. Somewhere in the sun-baked Western Desert the Ist New Zealand Contingent today stands ready for action as a complete and distinct fighting formation which will play its part side by side with the recently strengthened British land forces in the Middle East Command. Life in the modern military camps now seems a thing of the past. The headquarters field camp whence this message is despatched nestles in rolling desert country overlooking the eternally blue waters of the Mediterranean. Our only neighbours are our comrades in arms from Great Britain and the Empire, with whom the New Zealanders fraternize nightly. The camp is typical of those found in the field and is so reduced to essentials that it could be completely packed and moved at brief notice. Tents and vehicles are widely scattered. The only building is a portable cookhouse erected in sections. In spite of the curtailment of the permanent camp amenities, the troops have lost little in comforts. The smoothly-running supply system ensures delivery of ample fresh foodstuffs and water, and the cooks are doing a splendid job under more difficult conditions.

A daily swim in the clear, warm sea is an unending delight, and since bathing suits are entirely out of fashion here, our bodies are becoming bronzed from head to foot. The temperature and climate is free from the oppressive heat encountered inland and seems conducive to good health Fifty cigarettes weekly are issued to all troops, who are also no longer required to pay surface letter postage. The contingent is now approaching the end of its first year in khaki and one week’s leave continues to be granted in rotation to small numbers. Arrangements have been made for cheap city lodgings, while eight days may be spent in Palestine for only £3/10/-. All ranks are hard and fit and in good spirits. Past and current mails are arriving regularly.