WAR SONGS

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21038, 14 February 1940, Page 7

WAR SONGS

LANDING OF AUSTRALIANS VIVID NIGHT SCENE SINGING AND CHEERING (United Press Assn.—Eicc. Tel. Copyrlg-ht) SUEZ, Feb. 13 Songs of the last war echoed across the desert as transports carrying Australian troops crept through the darkness along the Suez Canal to Kantara. Although it was past midnight, Kantara was alive with excited, welcoming Arabs. By the light of huge flares, the troops, whose veteran members recalled the well-remembered scene of one of the largest camps in the last war. landed at Kantara, singing and cheering. They entrained for their vast encampment, the situation of which cannot be disclosed. Some of the Australians disembarged at Ismailia after lunch yesterday, when the transports anchored in the sand-bounded, blue waters of Lake Timsah. Mr Anthony Eden repeated the remarks he had made to the New Zealanders. He also conveyed MajorGeneral Freyberg’s greeting. Reputation of Troops G-oneral Sir Archibald Wavell recall. jel his service under General Allenby, when he saw Australians in action, and expressed pride at commanding troops of such reputation. Brigadier Allen, acting-commander of the Australians, expressed thanks on behalf of the men. “The men are keen and fit,” said Brigadier Allen, “and they worked hard even in the heat of the tropics. Ten per cent had fathers in the Great War, and 10 per cent fought in it. The entire force are volunteers. They did not know their destination, and held sweepstakes on it until last night.” Mr Eden For Cairo Mr Eden left for Cairo, where King Farouk receives him today. He will visit the Australian encampment on Thursday.