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General Freyberg to the Minister of Defence

I wish to report that I came back from the Western Desert for two days to inspect the 6th and 7th Reinforcements, the latter having just arrived.² They are an excellent body of troops.

I am very impressed with all I have seen. The men are a fine lot and have made a good impression. I have had good reports on all sides.

I have also taken the opportunity of seeing the young women now installed in the Club. It is early in the day yet to report how the arrangement is working but I have every reason to feel satisfied with the results so far. Yesterday the Commander-in-Chief³ inspected our Base and reviewed 7000 reinforcements. He was most struck by all he saw. I am sending a copy of his letter of appreciation.⁴

Today I leave Cairo by air for the Western Desert where everybody is in excellent heart. We are closely associated with the South Africans, an association appreciated by us. On 5 November the New Zealand Division Rugby football team plays a test match in the Western Desert against a representative South African team. The match should be keenly contested.