The Middle East.

The Division was definitely in need of a rest; six months had passed since the Salerno landing with little respite. The last three of these had been in the bleak hillsides with very little shelter, during the bitter rain and snow of an Italian winter. Most of the battalions were reduced to about half their normal strength. The Division sailed from Naples, which had become the chief supply base for the 5^th Army. In Egypt at Quassasin Camp, 4 days leave was granted in Cairo. At the end of the leave the division went into Palestine, travelling through the blazing barrenness of the Sinai desert, to Nathanya. The division had been reinforced with Anti-Aircraft regiments now being disbanded in the Middle East and converted into infantry.

Strenuous courses were held in the hills near Safad, culminating in an exercise 'Aggression' for officers and NCOs. From Palestine the division moved into Syria, and a further polish was put on training. After the intense training, the division was as fit as it had ever been. Before anymore leave could be granted, it was ordered back to Quassasin Camp in Egypt, and then again on to Italy.