Part 1 of 2
New Zealand Broadcasting Unit commentator Doug Laurenson [Military Service no. 34957] records a commentary about the surroundings the New Zealand Division find themselves in, in Egypt in December 1940.
On manoeuvres in the Western Desert, life and the surroundings are very harsh and the New Zealand men are once again learning the meaning of the name ""Digger"" and getting unlimited experience with a pick and a shovel.
However, at base camp [Maadi] there are green fields, shady trees and masses of flowers and shrubs. Here the men have access to tennis courts, swimming pools, open air tea gardens and golf courses.
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.