U-series. G. Sheddon on action south of Sidi Barrani. Part 4 of 4

Part 4 of 4
Driver George Sheddon [Military Service no. 8566] of the Reserve Motor Transport Division, who enlisted in Dunedin, gives details of his involvement with the recent
push into Libya.

The transport division provided transport for the Punjab Indian Infantry from a camp near Mersa Matru into the Italians strongholds of TummarEast and Hill 90.

A bright incident came out later when Ginger Wingham of Christchurch entered a dug out occupied by five Italian officers. Flourishing a revolver he ordered the Italians out and one of them answered in English "Don't worry Sonny we won't hurt you" and they marched out.

A raging sandstorm woke the troops later in the night. For breakfast the allied troops had Italian sardines and wine. That afternoon the prisoners were transported back to prison camp, by a convoy of trucks, which was reached at 3.00 am. Later that day the convoy headed back for more prisoners. This continued for three days and the the group headed for Mersa Matru for a rest.

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.