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Mobile Unit announcer Doug Laurenson [Military Service no. 34957] introduces a recording of Major General Sir John Duigan [Military Service no. 5036, 4/1325], Chief of General Staff in New Zealand talking to troops on parade, when he visited the Base Camp of the 2nd NZ Expeditionary Force in Egypt on the 29 November 1940.
"Brigadier Barrowclough, officers, non-commissioned officers and men on parade. You don't know what a pleasure it has given me to come here to see over our own troops and talk over matters with your General.
I know you are eager to make yourselves as efficient as you can before you get a chance to get a few skins off the "Eytie". It looks as if you will get your chance later on. I am sure you will give him a good hard knock which will let him know that he is fighting soldiers that he will have the greatest respect of.
I have seen a great deal since leaving New Zealand at the beginning of October and there is a great spirit among the whole of our troops where ever I have been. I am quite sure you people will stand up with the rest of them and do your part. I hope to be back in New Zealand by Christmas and I can take back greetings to your people in New Zealand.
Alright Brigadier will you carry on please
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.