CHRISTMAS IN THE DESERT

Southland Times, Issue 24654, 28 January 1942, Page 6

CHRISTMAS IN THE DESERT

HILARIOUS DINNER FOR TROOPS

OFFICERS, AND SERGEANTS AS ATTENDANTS

(From a Special Correspondent with

the Middle East Forces)

Christmas Day in the Army—lt is probably not the most cheerful place in the world to spend Christmas Day and while most people back home probably imagined that our Christmas dinner was nothing but bully beef and biscuits this was not so. Actually we lived royally and, while we may have had to put up with a dust storm or two and our thoughts were about 1200 miles from Egypt, our Christmas dinner was one which would have honoured any New Zealand home. It was one of the few occasions that we have in the Army for celebration and we were given every opportunity to make the most of it Most of us had just returned from the Libyan campaign and in our particular unit elaborate preparations were made for the festive season. A special tent that seated about 40 had been erected and it was quite like old times to sit down to a meal. Even if the table cloth was only paper—it was something we had missed for months —it rather set things off. I OKC.OTTEN LUXURIES The tent had been gaily decorated with coloured streamers while one or two of the boys appeared in fancy dress—a paper hat at least. It was quite a bright gathering, I will admit, and another luxury was salt and pepper on the tables, but orange peelings had to fill the bill as containers. The site on which we had our meal is also worth mentioning as the breakers of the Mediterranean pounded the beach less than 30 yards away. There had been rumours that there was likely to be turkey on the menu, but no one believed it seriously until the genuine article was produced. But true enough it was turkey, and beautifully roasted at that, which said a lot for our cook who did not have the most modern equipment to work with. To follow the turkey was a real plum duff, and a third course consisted of fruit salad—not to mention pastry, refreshments and cigarettes, which completed an excellent menu. Although everyone had a Christmas parcel of his own from the many parcels which had been received during the week, the unit Christmas cake was also a great success. OFFICERS AS WAITERS It was a fitting celebration if ever there was one, especially for the common horde known as the other ranks. We were not even required to stand longingly in a queue and wonder if our turn would ever come. Our officers had taken it on themselves to act as waiters and they handled the orders—even the returns —with an almost professional touch. And there were no pots to wash and pans to scrub after. The sergeants, too, had risen to the occasion and they did the washing-up as though it was an everyday job for them. It was certainly a day out for the other ranks and even on the following morning. Instead of that unearthly hour of 6 a s m. when someone rudely awakens you and tells you to put your feet on the floor (or sand, rather), we wem’t aroused until 7a.m. —certainly like old times. ' , A special menu had also been published and as a souvenir everyone was handed one. It may not have been strictly adhered to and I think those responsible for it still had the Libyan campaign much in their _ thoughts. Under the heading of hot joints the names of Tobruk and Sidi Rezegh—two really “hot joints” if ever there were any. It was a really select menu in every way. For fish we had Musel Lini (deep sea) and Le Pauvre Eyeteye, while the poultry dishes included Duck a la Zaafran, The Hunners’ Grouse and Plucked P’llover. For dessert we had Trifle de Sandi, but fortunately the Shanghai Balliste had been struck off the menu. Christmas Day will certainly be long i remembered and even if it was celebrated in the Western Desert, of all places, the fact that it was celebrated counted most. Bully beef and biscuits were forgotten for the time being and everyone voted it a great effort. Some of those who were unfortunate to be travelling on Christmas Day did not miss their dinner for it was staged for them at the first opportunity. Next Christmas we will probably celebrate at home—we hope.