N.Z.E.F. IN WESTERN DESERT

Camp News, Volume 2, Issue 99, 21 November 1941, Page 4

N.Z.E.F. IN WESTERN DESERT

Mr. Jordan’s Tour

TROOPS IN SPLENDID FETTLE

CAIRO, November 16

“Having seen our men in torward .positions, I can assure the people of New Zealand that they have every reason to be proud of their soldiers. - They are extremely cheerful in their work happy in their companionships, and eager: to engage in the task for which they have been so well equipped,” said the High Commissioner, 'Mr. Jordan, who has returned after a 1000mile tour of the Middle East to inspect New Zealand'troops.

In the desert Mr. Jordan met military leaders and heard words of praise for the New Zealand soldiers. Tie received a thrill of pride as he ocard Dominion, soldiers in lorries call out, ‘Good old Bill.” After the dull skies of England, the bright sands of the desert and the blue waters of the Mediterranean writ- a welcome change for him) Later, '(inching with South Africans, he found himself .involved in the most absorbing topic of present-day . desert discussion

—Rugby 'football. On his. way back he saw New Zealand sailors aboard one ’of His Majesty’s* ships at a Middle East port. He also met specialized New Zealand engineer troops detached from the

division, but carrying out a very important task vital for success in desert operations. The adaptability of the New' Zealanders impressed him.

Mr. Jordan found, time to visit the newly-established hostel near Alexandria. “Contributors to the National Patriotic Fund would indeed be very pleased to see how their money is being spent,” lie remarked.

On Saturday he lunched at the British Embassy in Cairo. On Tuesday he is to inspect a parade of-New Zealand troops, and will see. the New , Zealand, reinforcements at the training (amps. Meanwhile he, is having a busy rifne visiting the New Zealand hospitals in the Cairo area.