BEHIND THE TURKISH LINES

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2612, 6 November 1915, Page 3

BEHIND THE TURKISH LINES

SNIPING TEA-KETTLES AND BATHERS' CLOTHES

An interesting glimpso of the Gallipoli operations, from tho enemy's point of view, is given in the "Frankfurter

Zcitung" by a writer who is evidently a German officer Wonderful broad roads (ho says, describing tho sceno behind tho lines) have been constructed leading to all sides; what a gain for the country it will bo when the war is over. Long columns of donkeys pass to and fro taking food and munitions to the front trenches. Long rows of camels bring tho loads from the ships to tho depots which have been built everywhere new and clean; rows of wagons stand close by, carefully disguised by branches to avoid the attention of aviators. In a deep cleft, protected against bombs, lies the chief i medical station, tents in white, a largo operation-tent in tho middle, tho flag of the Red Orescent floating above. Here prevails order, land endurance, and the will to victory. The writer is full.of admiration for the courago of all the troops concerned in tho operations—Turkish, British, and French. Ho remarks of the Turkish soldiers that it is touching to see how they tako caro of tho enemy wounded, though "in tho attack thoy aro as if an ecstasy, and don't givo much quarter." British simpers he seems to respect exceedingly. His attempts to bo humorous are instructive. Ho mentions a bathing station of the British situated not far from the Turkish trenches:— ' Their Inevitable Bath. Here our men lay in wait, and when the English arrived with Sunlight soap and towels thoy shoot first in the water, then at their clothes. It is. a great . joko for them to seo some poor Tommy trying to get at his things, and having to go back in the end in Adam's costume, which.must bo "awfully shocking." In the morniDg Tommy makes his tea., for that is what a "gentleman" must do. Jam and biscuit boxes aro brought out, and empty .tins come flying over the edge of their trencji. Like a silver lino they glitter ill the sun and show us which trenches are occupied, for there the boxes of yesterday and, the day before are already scattered.' A fine white smoke rises out of tho trenches; "the tea is boiling"; now and then ono catches the glimpse of a face, with the pipe aslant in the mouth. It is tho hour of devotions in tho enemy's lines. This provokes our soldiers, and soon a few bullets go flying across. _ Suddenly the smoke flutters perceptibly, water seems to have got into the fire—l'm afraid we have shot the kettle.; A few angry shots show us our behaviour is not correct. Ket-

ties must not be shot at. Yos, there's no doubt, wo are barbarians. ]

Tho writer tolls one yarn which ono may enjoy without believing it. It is about a German named Peters who had been in the front trenches:—The English* had suddenly attacked and taken

him prisoner. But as Peters was a good old Hamburg seaman, he opened a long conversation in English with his friendly escort. The began- to speak about England, and 10, tho English became quite sentimental with nostalgia, and Peters took advantage of tho moment and made off, and hid for two days in a hole made by a shell till a successful Turkish attack .set him at liberty again.