Dimensions
155 x 230 x 17mm
Its call sign was Fernleaf Cairo� and between 1939 and 1946� around 76�000 Kiwis of the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force passed through Maadi Camp.
Around 17 kilometres south of Cairo� the camp appeared almost overnight� as this country's permanent overseas base during the Second World War. By 1945 the camp had tar-sealed roads� two cinemas� an open-air amphitheatre� canteens� bars� chapels� sports fields� a meat-pie and ice-cream factory� and - thanks to General Bernard Freyberg - swimming baths.
Egypt was a source of boundless amazement� sly humour and some disgust to the New Zealanders� an experience which left its mark� both on our language - taking a shufti - and more tangibly� the Maadi Rowing Cup. With unpublished images and first-hand accounts� Fernleaf Cairo offers a fascinating insight into the unlikely bond young New Zealanders forged with the people and city of Cairo� including their many highly colourful experiences on leave.