The biggest trouble was learning how to walk in them, because unlike the "Pukka" Dutch type, they were roughly made and the sides cut into ones ankles. The main problem was keeping them on whilst walking. I often marveled later at the proficiency in which the old timers used to speed along in them with apparent ease. That night we were herded into a barrack room, given one wet blanket and slept on bare boards. We hadn't had any food for about 24 hours, but thanks to an unknown New Zealand soldier who was taken at Crete, we were able to share his tin of biscuits.