Churchill Parade at Tripoli

Photo: Churchill Parade at Castel-Benito airfield, Tripoli

The first stage of the North African campaign is completed and a new found confidence is clearly displayed on this parade day celebrating the return of Egypt and Libya to normality at the Kiwi Divisional home the Castel Benito air field

The above photo taken at approx. 10.00 am on the 3rd of February, 1943 is a portion of the 20,000 odd NZ Division personnel at its Tripoli airfield home of 5 weeks where previously the German and Italian airforces had occupied. Among Kiwi rank and file it was known as the "Churchill Parade" and as well as the UK Prime Minister Churchill, Generals Montgomery, McCreery and Freyberg where in attendence.

During the afternoon at 3.00pm the entire 8th Army which included all the international divisions and units were to form up together and march through the streets of Tripoli in a gigantic marching and motorised parade in front of the above and more dignitaries. Certainly for those who participated a life long lasting memory and highlight.

The preparations for the Tunisian campaign were soon to begin.