North African Location (WW2) please

[nzenigma]

Hi folks,

The attached photo was taken by my father during WW2.
Date 1942 to 1943, and it is in North Africa.
I would like to identify the approximate location.
The soldiers are NZ Provost Corp (Military Police).
The locals are ? 
They appear to be town dwellers given that one of them is wearing a jacket with tie.
So far I haven't found pictures of that particular dress code.

Thanks in advance ,Gary.

[John915]

Good afternoon,

2nd NZ division were based and trained at Maadi, just south of Cairo near the Nile. So possibly there but they could have moved on else where by the time the photo was taken.

John915

[nzenigma]

Hello John,
This is one of many photos that also accompanies a rare diary account of Provost activity in the ME.
The Kiwis were also part of an occupation force in Syria before returning to Egypt and
the Second Battle of El Alamein .

The men in the picture were often moving ahead of the main force which eventually forced the Nazi Axis force to retreat or surrender near Tripoli.
Their rough condition and their friendliness with the locals does not seem to equate with Egypt.
My guess it is further West

Cheers Gary