Yesterday "Pop" Lownds, our Intelligence Officer, moved into his new home, an E.P.I.P. tent secured at long last (Tentage up to this stage of the month had been something of a problem but fine work by the "Q" Staff saw virtually everyone comfortably installed by this time).
This morning, as we trooped down for the customary parade, the tent, in all its white newness, had disappeared from sight, slashed ropes alone providing evidence of the work of some thieving Gyppo. The problem of locating the culprit was however too much for our Intelligence and the aid of the local Service Investigation Branch was solicited.
A smiling South African Sergeant in the Military Police made his appearance, and with the aid of a tracker, a search was instituted. Results were speedily forthcoming. That afternoon the smiling sergeant returned with the culprits complete with tent and all. The tent identified as our property, the two surly looking Arab thieves were hauled off to receive their just reward at the hands of the frontier administration authorities – and "Pop" was re-installed in his office!