SPRINGBOKS’ BAND

Waikato Independent, Volume XLI, Issue 3891, 13 August 1941, Page 7

SPRINGBOKS’ BAND

SOUTH AFRICAN PLAYERS APPRECIATION IN EGYPT Hfe .-i —— (N.Z.E.F. Official News Service). CAIRO, July 22. One of the finest entertainments that has been presented in the New Zealand base camp was given last night by one of the leading bands of the South African Forces now in the Middle East. The large audience of soldiers was most enthusiastic. w . The band, which consists of 40 musicians, proved that it has an extensive range, and switched with delightful facility from modern tunes to older favourites and conventional band items.

Belonging to one of the senior units of the South African Defence Force, the Imperial Light Horse, it is the official band of the Witwatersrand Command, and forms part of the Active Citizens’ Force, which is equivalent to the Territorials in New Zealand.

At the end of the evening the band played “The Boys From Way Down Under,” as a graceful tribute to the men of the N.Z.E.F., followed by the South African National Anthem, “Die Stem van Suid Afrika” (The Voice of South Africa), and “God Save the King.” The conductor is Lieut. Marcus Roe. All the members of the band have been with the Active Citizens’ Force for a number of years and it is indeed fortunate the band has been able to come away as a unit. This was the first evening entertainment at thfe new Lowry Hut, and admirable facilities available there made the occasion most pleasant.