Attested into the Army on 24 Mar 1941 and embarred on active service 13 Sep 1941. Disembarked 20 Dec 1941 at Egypt. During the El Alamein to Tripoli campaign at an obscure railway station called El Alamein was to enter history as the scene of the decisive battle of the desert war. The 8th Army's offensive began on 23 October 1942 with a massive artillery barrage, but Axis forces held firm. A second thrust on 2 November cost the Maori Battalion 100 casualties, including Fred Baker, who was wounded, and his second-in-command, Major Irvine Hart, who was killed later the same day; command now passed to Major Charles Bennett of Te Arawa. When his defences were breached elsewhere, Rommel was forced to withdraw. The desert stalemate turned into a headlong pursuit. On 23 January 1943 the Maori Battalion became the second New Zealand unit to enter Tripoli, 2250 km to the west of El Alamein. During the above campaign on the 27 Oct 1942, Thomas Karena was travelling in a truck convoy and heard aircraft, a Stuka was sited at the last moment and it attacked the convoy. Thomas was wounded in the upper and lower leg, plus foot. A medic was also travelling in the truck and was also wounded. Thomas located the medics medical bag and placed a gauze in the hole in his upper thigh where it was bleeding heavily and wrapped his leg up tight. Not many in thr truck survived. (Ref discussion Thomas Karena and son Tony Karena) Thomas was 36 years of age at time. The preliminary medical report (NZEF Form 22 in NZDF records)states 'On 27 Oct 1942 was hit through L. thigh by piece of shell splinter. Wound bled severly and was brought back to A.D.S 5 NZ Fd Amb. and then to M.D.S 5 NZ Fd Amb. Given 2 pints blood and 3/4 pint Glucose Saline by surgical team NZ CCS. Left foot cold. Operation - Femoral Artery completely severed - vein intact...Segment of artery excised and doubly ligated. Vien ligated. Sulphanamide powder and vaseline gauze. Evacuated to 10 NZ CCS on 28 Oct 1942 and to 27 General Hospital on 29 Oct 1942. On 8 Nov 1942 wound was discharging, in fair condition, foot comfortable and can move toes. Medical Board identified moderately sever sepsis in thigh - marked swelling of thigh also swelling of leg and foot. Circulation poor but foot warm. Movements good, colour dark. No signs of gangren. Board recommended on 12 Dec 1942 he be returned to NZ. Back in NZ there was ongoing medical treatment required and on 19 Feb 1944 was released from Army. (Reference NZDF Personnel Records)