INDIAN TROOPS ON FRENCH SOIL

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2272, 5 October 1914, Page 5

INDIAN TROOPS ON FRENCH SOIL

ARRIVAL AT MARSEILLES

WILD ENTHUSIASM OF THE PUBLIC Paris, October 1. The first contingent of Indian troops have landed at Marseilles. They weT6 accorded an enthusiastic welcome, and made a triumphal procession. The physique of the white Indian troops impressed the spectators. There were stirring scenes when the Indian and British troops marched to the- camping grounds. The streets and roads were .crowded with excited spectators, crying, "Vivent les Hindous," and struggling to shake hands. Women- presented the soldiers with cigarettes and fruit, and girls strewed flowers and pinned them on the men's tunics and turbans. The enthusiasm reached fever heat when the Gurkhas struck up the "Marseillaise" on tbeir weird instruments. Many of, the younger natives leapt three feet in the air, waving the Union Jack and the Tricolour. ROYAL GREETINGS TO THE TROOPS. London, October 2. The King has issued two. messages of greetings to the troops landing at' Marseilles, the first to the British troops stating: "I have implicit confidence m you, my soldiers. 'Duty is your watchword, and I know your duty will be nobly done." • . - The second, to the Indian troops: "I know with what readiness my brave and loyal Indian soldiers are prepared to fulfil their sacred trust. In the field of battle you will be shoulder to shoulder with comrades from all parts of the Empire. I bid you go forward and add fresh, lustre to the glorious achievements, noble traditions, courage, and chivalry of my Indian Army, whose honour and fame is in your hands."-