A series of recordings for radio broadcasts on Christmas Day 1940 in New Zealand: Christmas Greetings from New Zealanders in the Middle East.
Part 3 of 12
Mobile Broadcasting Unit commentator Doug Laurenson [Military Service no. 34957] speaks about the New Zealanders in the Middle East.
Away in the western desert men from your town are serving in outposts of our territory and the lines of communication leading up to the front. Scattered along the Nile you will find New Zealanders who have come down from the line for a well earned rest. Over in Palestine, where the first Christmas was celebrated nearly 2000 years ago, you will see the familiar peaked hat of our men. On the Mediterranean sail the ships of the Royal Navy which carry at least one naval rating from New Zealand and up above the machines of the Royal Airforce fly carrying New Zealanders. So today New Zealanders from the three fighting services send the best of Christmas wishes from us all.
A music break follows and then the introduction to the next item, a greeting from a NewZealander serving with the Royal Navy.
This item is part of a collection of recordings made by the Mobile Broadcasting Units, which travelled overseas with New Zealand forces between 1940-1945. They recorded New Zealanders' experiences of war and messages to their families and friends, which were sent back home to be played on a weekly radio programme.