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Driver George Sheddon [Military Service no. 8566] of the Reserve Motor Transport Division who enlisted in Dunedin gives details of his involvement with the recent push into Libya.
The transport division provided transport for the Punjab Indian Infantry from a camp near Mersa Matru into the Italians strongholds of Tummar East and Hill 90.
On 5 December 1940 the convoy of 100 trucks left Mersa Matru for the Indian camp. At first the camp appeared deserted and it was hard to find traces of a camp at all. When the trucks stopped the ground opened up and disgorged hundreds of Indian soldiers.
Next morning the convoy set off with 20 soldiers per truck and all that could be seen in the darkness ahead of the vehicle was the trucks radiator cap. When dawn broke everyone became aware that this group of trucks was part of a huge advance of 3000 vehicles and all except the NZRMT trucks carried "Tommy" soldiers.
Several stops were made during the drive to time the advance in accordance with orders. Over 50 miles were covered that day under full escort of the RAF.
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.