The Waikato Times HAMILTON, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1940 NEW ZEALANDERS IN EGYPT

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21038, 14 February 1940, Page 6

The Waikato Times HAMILTON, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1940 NEW ZEALANDERS IN EGYPT

Relief that the first echelon of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force has reached its destination in Egypt will be felt by relatives, friends and the public generally. There was, of course, always confidence in the organisation of the great convoy and the strength of the naval escort, but a certain anxiety naturally remained while the destination was unknown and until safe arrival was reported. Those left at home will be gratified to know that the men travelled in the comfort of great liners and that they have landed far from the snows of northern Europe. This first echelon has followed in the footsteps of the force that left New Zealand a quarter of a century ago, and there is every confidence that the men will uphold the proud traditions established by that other Army. New Zealand’s representatives in this new struggle for freedom have begun their campaign under the most favourable conditions possible in such circumstances. They have had a useful period of training in well-equipped camps; they have travelled abroad in luxury liners and they have landed where, even if the heat is more severe than that which they have been accustomed to, the climate is at least more congenial than in some other theatres of war. And, very important, they have the leadership of a man who is widely respected and admired, who will inspire them in the arts of war and in discipline, and who will care for their comfort as far as is humanly possible. At heme they have a sympathetic Government and people who will not forget them. In Egypt, those with experience of the last war will perhaps find the deserts and the oases little changed, but the Egyptian nation changed materially. They will find a nation which in 25 years has developed its resources, organised its people and founded a powerful army ready and willing to co-operate with the people of the British Empire and France in meeting the Nazi threat—a threat as real to Egypt as to any of the Allies. It may be that the New Zealanders will find themselves co-operating with the new Egyptian Army in the great tasks that lie ahead. What those tasks will be time alone will tell, but these people of an ancient civilisation will find the soldiers from a new land on the other side of the world fully determined to achieve the common objective. To thousands of young New Zealanders there will be romance and intense interest in their coming to ancient Egypt as well as hard work and discipline on the sands under a burning sun. Egypt and the lands across the Red Sea and the Mediterranean hold a prominent piace in their minds. Biblical stories and classical literature have peopled this Old World with clinging memories. New Zealand’s sons will be keen to see and to explore what their older brothers saw before them. And those who have not yet joined the colours will perhaps be inspired and encouraged to follow the first echelon on this old trail that leads to other things besides the routine of army life and the possible dangers and hardships of war. Many soldiers will be needed to maintain and strengthen the pioneer contingent. It will be surprising if the latest news does not lead to a considerable advance in the rate of recruitment.