Food

The ration scale in the Western Desert was that of the British Army in Egypt. It was comprehensive and contained all necessary ingredients. Margarine was substituted for butter. Cigarettes became a weekly issue. Wet canteens were run mostly on a unit basis. A certain amount of ale was available, this being regarded as an important source of Vitamin B. Marmite could also be indented to make up deficiencies in this respect. Fresh limes were a daily issue to units and were best utilised in making refreshing lime drinks. A grant was made to units of 2 NZEF from the National Patriotic Fund to buy extra vegetables and fruit, and units also used regimental funds for this purpose. Some units in the area farther forward experienced a shortage of green vegetables at times owing to their poor condition on arrival.