U-series. News from the troops No. 2. Part 1 of 6

Part 1 of 6.
Unit commentator Doug Laurenson records a programme on life on board a New Zealand troop ship. [This was the Empress of Japan" , carrying the Third Echelon of the 2NZEF] He begins with a report on the first shore leave enjoyed by the men [Western Australia.]

He says the first day of leave after thousands of miles of ocean travel was memorable. Twelve hours were spent on shore. After landing at a namelss port [Fremantle] they travelled some 12 miles or so by troop train [to Perth]

Both sides of the track were lined with people cheering and waving. At a petrol station they received the universal sign 'Thumbs Up N.Z'.

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.