Ask to use material, get more information or tell us about an item
Part one of a two-part documentary.
Fifty years on, New Zealand veterans of the Battle of El Alamein return to the line west of Alexandria in Egypt where Rommel's Axis forces were defeated. El Alamein was the turning point of the North African desert war and contributed decisively to an Allied victory.
One hundred or so New Zealand veterans returned in pilgrimage to El Alamein alongside the South African, Australian, Indian and British to pay their respects to the 19,000 Allies killed in North Africa.
In a gathering of veterans prior to departure in Auckland, the Māori Battalion's commander [Sir] Charles Bennett explains why he's returning to El Alamein. Other unidentified veterans also interviewed. Military personnel and Medical team will accompany the veterans.
Jack Perkins describes the progress of the desert war and the battle of El Alamein. He interviews military historian Sir Leonard Thornton about his experiences under General Bernard Freyberg. An archival recording of General Montgomery who says he never had any doubt about their success. Unidentified New Zealand veterans and a German officer speak about the lead up to the battle. The New Zealand men give their opinions of Montgomery and Freyberg. A man recalls Egyptian beer and his first visit to a Cairo brothel.
The NZBS Mobile Unit microphones followed the New Zealand Division throughout the North African campaign and captured the sound on October 23rd when the artillery opened fire.
New Zealand veterans and the German officer remember strategies during the twelve day desert battle, morale, atmosphere, mines and
conditions. Jack Perkins concludes the programme with references to Churchill's reaction to the Alamein victory.