Desert Duel

For three years from 1940 the Second New Zealand Division, led by Lieutenant-General Sir Bernard Freyberg, fought in the North African desert against a combined German-Italian army and its formidable leader, Field-Marshal Erwin Rommel.Rommel regarded the Kiwis as the elite of the British army, and their General was officially classified as a 'dangerous opponent.' During the desperate months of mid-1942, the New Zealand Division was almost all that stood between Rommel and Egypt.It was a hard-fought campaign. Yet the North African campaign was also a human story. Ordinary New Zealanders from civilian walks of life - accountants, lawyers, plumbers, labourers, teachers, musicians, even politicians - found unexpected strength within themselves to meet the demands of the war.Their battlegrounds - Sidi Rezegh, Ruweisat Ridge, Mingar Qaim, El Alamein, Tebaga Gap and Takrouna - are also part of New Zealand's history. 'In the battle which is sure to come within a few days, the] outcome depends almost entirely upon Freyburg's sic] division and air support. New Zealand Division is by far the best fighting unit in the Middle East. Freyburg sic] is a very great leader of men, possessed of tremendous courage and sound judgement.'- US Army Forces in Middle East, official report, 27 June 1942The New Zealanders...are trained and led by General Freyberg, a dangerous opponent. They are specialists in night fighting, they fight on a wide front, and...have learnt to follow up closely under the heavy artillery barrages which they use...They are also capable, in difficult country, of fighting without tank support...- German staff assessment of 2 NZ Division