Part of a series of recordings for radio broadcasts on Christmas Day 1940 in New Zealand: Christmas Greetings from New Zealanders in the Middle East.
Part 5 of 12
After a music break, Mobile Broadcasting Unit commentator Doug Laurenson [Military Service no. 34957] introduces an unnamed New Zealand soldier who speaks on behalf his companions in the Middle East Command.
"Hello New Zealand or as they say in Egypt 'Saida'. Here are Christmas Greetings from the land of the Pharaohs. We of the New Zealand forces have had nearly 12 months over here. We, like the men of 25 years ago still carry the name of 'Digger' and believe we have changed the face of the desert with our digging, more than any Pharaoh ever did.
We have marvelled at the pyramids, have stood in the shadow of the Sphinx and have walked in the mosques.
It is with full hearts that we drink a toast to you in New Zealand,"" Merry Christmas from the troops in Egypt"". He ends by sending greetings to Marsden Ave, Mt Eden."
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.