U-series. News from the Troops No.2. Part 5 of 6

Part 5 of 6.

Continuation of an interview by Mobile Unit commentator Doug Laurenson [Military Service no.34957] with a 2NZEF Quartermaster Sergeant named 'Bert', about life on board their troopship. (The ship is the ""Empress of Japan"" and the speaker is probably Albert John Wyeth [Military Service no.27368].) He says all the men now have their sea legs. There is an afternoon parade each day at 2.00pm. The men also have to practice route marches wearing boots, accompanied by music provided by the Broadcasting Unit.

Dinner is from 5.00pm in three sittings, with free time after until lights out at 10.00pm. Every night there is a concert or picture show. Weather has been good and the voyage is a wonderful experience, especially for the men who haven't travelled before. The Quartermaster Sergeant then ends with a greeting to his friends and family at 39 Tarikaka Street, Ngaio

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.