Veterans to attend 60th anniversary of Battle of Alamein

	New Zealand war graves, El Alamein War Cemetery.

The Prime Minister has given approval for four veterans of the Battle of Alamein to accompany the official New Zealand delegation to the 60th anniversary commemorations in Egypt during October 2002.

The four, one of whom will be a former member of 28 Maori Battalion, will be selected in a ballot conducted on behalf of Veterans' Affairs New Zealand (VANZ) by RNZRSA.

It is expected the party will assemble - probably in Auckland - on or about Monday, 14 October departing New Zealand by RNZAF aircraft on the following day and will depart Egypt on 21 October arriving back in New Zealand on 24 October.

Those selected to travel as part of the official party will be required to have their GP complete a VANZ medical proforma certifying their fitness to travel and a current passport. The necessary visas will be arranged by VANZ.

El Alamein veterans wishing to enter the ballot should apply in writing to:

RNZRSA Headquarters,
P O Box 27248,
Wellington

The envelope endorsed "El Alamein Pilgrimage" to arrive no later than Friday, 6 September 2002. Those successful will be notified by mail.

For those who miss out in the ballot, several travel agents including Innovative Travel Company Ltd and Calder & Lawson have arranged package tours which will include visits to the battlefield and attendance at the commemorations.

A small subsidy for El Alamein veterans only may be available on personal application to VANZ.