WAR SKETCHES FROM THE BATTLE-FRONT

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2421, 29 March 1915, Page 5

WAR SKETCHES FROM THE BATTLE-FRONT

[FROM "EYE-WITNESS'S" PEN HOW THE " TOMMIES" AND " BOSCHES" FIGHT ("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) London, March 26. "Eye-Witness," with British HeadQuarters, says: "During German coun-ter-attacks from Bois du Bier our men became so excited that they 'clambered up the parapets. They could not restrain their impatience. In some places there was not room for all the men to shoot simultaneously, and those below shouted: 'Get down! Give us achance!' They even pulled down those in front, taking their places. ' Reckless Gorman Officers. "German officers frequently invited .certain death by riding forward and directing the attack from within a few hundred yards. None of those exposing themselves thus escaped. A ma-chine-gun officer maintained L'is fire throughout our bombardment, and when the Tommies charged he awaited death calmly, standing on the parapet of a trench and. emptying his revolver at them. •'A German brigade order says officers must de everything possible to prevent the men from becoming dull and lethargie. Billeted troops ought to be given stirring history lessons, particularly regarding recent achievements. All officers must clieor up the men; every encouragement prepares the way to victory. Tho order expresses dissatisfaction with tlie uncleanliness existing, laxity in saluting., and the prevalence of unbrushed hair and dirty boots. Cood Wo;k of Our Airmen. "Airmen, under cover of the mist, at the greatest risk, descended to a height of 800 feet above the hostile batteries, effectively assisting our artillery. "We must not overlook our heavy death-roll. We must remember that our casualties at'Neuve were incurred in a single attack during a few days; in a. gradual advance covering many weeks the net results would have been the same. Tlie British in attacking, as they havo already shown in defending, can endure tho highest test with cheerfulness."