TROOPS AT SUEZ

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21039, 15 February 1940, Page 6

TROOPS AT SUEZ

| SCENES ON ARRIVAL I j LIGHTERS TAKE MEN ASHORE * DISTINGUISHED COMPANY (Bjr relempti.— Press Association) WELLINGTON, Wednesday ! The arrival at Suez of the ships of the New Zealand convoy is thus described by Major-General Frey berg in a cablegram to the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Savage:— “After a great number of alterations in plans owing to the fact that Mr Eden was reported to have been held up by adverse weather at Marseilles, the original plan for welcoming the Australian and New Zealand troops was carried out. This was particularly gratifying to the New Zealanders, because if Mr Eden had been late he would have gone straight to the disembarkation of the Australians at Kantara, entirely missing the New Zealand arrival earlier in the morning. “As it was, the welcome to the New Zealanders at Suez at 9.30 a.m. and continued until 12.30, when Mr Eden went to lunch at Ismailia on the way to join the Australians. “Soon after daybreak on February 12 the leading transports steamed into the harbour at Suez and were met by me and such members of my staff who had arrived in Egypt. We went out by launch, but were unable to board the first ship until the doctor had completed his examination. Company on Deck “A little later a further launch bearing the Ambassador’s flag brought out Sir Miles Lampson, Mr Anthony Eden, General Sir Archibald Wavell. General Officer Commanding - in-Chief in the Middle East, General H. M. Wilson, General Officer Com-manding-in-Chief of the British troops in Egypt, whom many will remember as General Staff Officer of the New Zealand Division in France. In addition to this distinguished company was Mahmoud Axmy Bey, Governor of the Suez Canal Zone. “After introductions all round to the senior officers on the ship and the nurses the distinguished visitors went to the after deck, where they met the men. Speaking from a hatch cover under the Red Ensign of the mercantile marine with men filling every vantage point, including the rigging, Sir Miles Lampson read a speech on behalf of the King, which was loudly cheered. “Mr Eden welcomed the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force and then General Wavell said how pleased he was to have New Zealanders under his command, remembering as he did the magnificent reputation for efficiency and fighting qualities possessed by the First New Zealand Expeditionary Force. I then replied shortly, thanking the King for his inspiring message and thanking Mr Eden and General Wavell for their welcome on behalf of the people of Britain and the Army of the Middle East. Telegrams Sent “As soon as the first troops had landed I sent off the following telegrams: ’His Majesty King George VI.. Your Majesty's most gracious message, which was read to us this historic morning, has inspired us all. May I send to Your Majesty trom all ranks of the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force expressions of our loyalty and assurances of our devotion.' “ ‘The First Lord of the Admiralty, May I. sir, on behalf of all ranks of the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force, thank the commanders and ships' companies of the gallant ships which escorted us on this journey for the great care they took for our safety.’

“ ‘Headquarters. Second Australian Imperial Force. Kantara. —On this historic day all ranks of the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force send their greetings to their comrades of the Second Australian Imperial Force now disembarking in Egypt. Our association during the voyage is remembered by us all with great pride. The fact that the intrepid “Aussies” will be upon our flank fills us with pride and great confidence.’ Ships too Large to Berth “Four of the ships were too large to be taken alongside the j wharves at Suez, so dissem- ! barkation began in lighters, while | the smaller ships were able to ; tie up and disembark by gangway, i Lighter after lighter laden with men I was tugged to the shore and as they - disembarked the band of one of the British regular regiments was playing on the quay. As the men marched away to the train carrying their kit bags and rifles they had to pass smaller ships, men on the latter manning the sides and cheering them as they went away to entrain for their camps. This busy scene on the quay took place in brilliant sunshine and was carried out in good order, and I heard on all sides most complimentary remarks made by the disembarkation staff and visiting generals upon the apearanec and general bearing of our

i troops.’’ BURIAL AT SEA HONOURS FOR BOMBARDIER (By TeVsrsiih. —I*iess As-oriitton) WELLINGTON, Wednesday In an account of the voyage of the New Zealand troops to Egypt received from Major-General B. C. Freyberg. ; V.C., Officer Commanding the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force, the major-general says: “Bombardier Kerr-Taylor. who died from acute heart failure following septic tonsilitis, was buried at sen with full military honours. It is to be recorded that everything medical skill could do was done. Bombardier KerrTaylor was popular- with his comrades and officers, and his loss was keenly felt by everyone on the transport. 'Shore Jc • c was granted to the men at the port of call, and this privilege c:.joyed by all to the full, “A: I v. iite here in my office at divisional headquarter* in our tamp," General Freyberg concludes. " I can hear the strain- of the band of a famous Brit;, h regiment and the pipes and drums oi a famous Scottish regiment playing one of our units into camp, where an excellent meal lias been pros ided for them, and where they will draw their bedding and equipment and make themselves comfortable for the night.”