BRITISH GUNNERS' EXPLOIT

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2292, 28 October 1914, Page 6

BRITISH GUNNERS' EXPLOIT

CROSS-CHANNEL ROAV FOR THE FRONT. The "Daily Telegraph" Folkestone cprrcspondent, under date- August 31, says :— • The stern side of war has been brightened by a humorous touch. At Folkestone on Saturday afternoon four gunners of the Royal Field Artillery hired a small row boat for a,little trip on the water. . Hours elapsed, but the soldiers did not return. Night foil, but there wore still no' tidings, and fears wero entertained for their safety. The explanation w,as forthcoming this morning on the arrival at Folkestone Pier of the steamer .Lβ Nord from Calais. . It appears that the gallant four, anxious to join thoir comrades at the front, attempted to row to Calais. They were strangers to the « locality, and, having seen the white cliffs, thought the distance was not great. AA'ithoufc any food or water, they rowed out under a blazing sun for the French coast. ■ . • Interviewed, ono of tho gunners said: —"It was a bit hot. AVe took off our tunic's and shirts and did our best until we were picked up a mile or two off Calais by a French fishing-boat. The crew of the fishing-boat could not make us out at first, but when we made them understand we were British soldiers they gave us of their best. AVe slept on board, subsequently landing on Calais Quay. AA'o suffered moro from thirst than hunger."-

The names of tho gunners aro Walker, Delany, Cowen, and Cook. Tho little boat Enterprise was brought over by the Lβ Nord, and after being swung over tho side was rowed to the beach by the men, who will have to report thornselves to the authorities at the camp. The officials, who are overwhelmed with Krave business at the harbour, could not resist a smile at the "boys," who aro bitterly disappointed that they aro not able to havo a slap at the Germans.