Part 1 of 2.
A commentary by Doug Laurenson [Military Service no. 34957], announcer for the Mobile Broadcasting Unit with the New Zealand forces in the Middle East, broadcast from Cairo via the BBC.
He reports on activities of the New Zealanders since arriving in Egypt.
For some time war activities in Egypt have been confined to bombing and reconnaissance work in forward positions. Impressions left with anyone visiting the western desert is that varied activities are ceaselessly going on. The New Zealand men are very fit . For months past the troops daily work has consisted of digging and field exercises.
One of the most surprising things in the desert is the way in which camps are moved at a few hours notice. One week you will visit a section where a unit is located and on a return visit a week later you find no
sign of the camp at all.
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.