Cairo, Feb. 13.
A message from the King to the Second Australian Imperial Force, which arrived at a Middle East port yesterday, was read by Sir Miles Lampson, British Ambassador to Egypt, after the troops had Janded.
"Twenty-five years ago" stated the King's message "the first contingents of Australian troops crossed the seas to win undying renown wherever they were called to serve in the cause of freedom and justice.
"Today you. who are forerunners of another great Australian Army, have taken the field to uphold the same caused."
Several Australians, describing the passage, told Reuter they had "the age of their lives." As the troopships entered various ports of call, they said, they were received with great enthusiasm.
At one port the troops assumed control of traffic, while the population accorded them a welcome, and the police stood by smiling.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.