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WHY DO SPIES TAKE ON THE JOB?
WHY DO SPIES TAKE ON THE JOB? 
 

Western Mail, Thursday 20 April 1933, page 2

WHY DO SPIES TAKE ON THE JOB?

Espionage, as everyone knows, is rather a hazardous occupation in war time and one wonders whether those who take the job on do so by order from someone higher in rank, from choice, or merely "bog their frame" in and leave the rest to chance.

Glancing over an old diary, I came across an entry on June 13, 1915. It was at Zeitoun camp on my way back to Gallipoli, after recovering from a wound in the hand. A man was detained in camp on suspicion. He wore a New Zealand uniform and with a black colour patch on his arm. No N.Z. unit had a black colour patch at that time. He said he had been to the Dardenelles and landed from the H.M.S. London, which he described as a large torpedo boat. He spoke with a distinct foreign accent.

Although the New Zealanders' camp adjoined ours, he camped in the Australian lines and the reason he gave was that he had a bit of a row with some of his mates and wanted to get away till they cooled down. He appeared to be well equipped with cash, which, as we all know, was not too plentiful in those Egyptian camps, and he spent it freely. After being escorted to the New Zealand lines, where he was recognised by no one and the name he gave was not entered in the camp roll, he was marched off under armed escort to some unknown .destination.

It is said that a spy must necessarily be a brave man and carries his life in his hands. The questions arise: Was this man endowed with bravery of exceptionally high order? Did he think that Dominion troops were simple and trusting? Or was he merely an ultra patriotic or over zealous fool?

"B. Company, 11th," Geraldton.