ANZACS EXTOLLED

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2938, 25 November 1916, Page 9

ANZACS EXTOLLED

FINEST SOLDIERS IN THE WORLD . Ausfcalian ; New. Zealand Oa-ble ABEociation. ..... New York, November 23. . i, |Ir,'.'Frederick Palmer, the American war correspondent, -who has just re-, turned ,froni tho Western front, gives unstinted admiration to tho-Australian soldiers.—lnterviewed for the Austra--liftn l .Press Association, lid said : "I have seeii soldiers throughout the world, but never-anything like the Australians: when 'advancing to the attack. They impressed me as-the finest soldiers and men ori ! -every battlefield. Tho world does not yet, realise the greatness of tho feat., qf' the capture of Pozicres Ridge, ■which, was due to the dash and tenacity of the Australians. Tho Australians made a world-name on Gallipoli, but a new and greater test awaited them in France, where they, were pitted against Germany's best. Yet they entered tho fight smilingly and with unwavering 'confidence. The result tho world knows. I was interested in individual Australians. They are of a distinct type, courageous and unflinching in dangor, with dashing and amazing initiative and resourcefulness.. While not underestimating the magnificent heroes at tho front, Australians stand out for adaptability and general intelligence. J'Tlie Australians do not show unthinking courage. They aro clear-, brained, capable, and conscious. Seemingly it was an unequal conflict of newly-trainod troops against Germany's super-drilled legions, but not only did they accept the challenge, • but forced the issue, and gloriously triumphed. Originally it was difficult to restrain them when tlioy had reached their objective, but they are rapidly learning the necessity for discipline and tlie futility of one section outpacing- the line. This light curb of discipline is moulding them into-perfect soldiers. I was forcibly struck by the Australians' early insistence -of tlie equality _of privates and officers. It .was typical of the grand,, free, and independent spirit of the colonies, but , they now understand that officers must be paid formal 'respect, and they are becoming adept in saluting. Tlie Australians' democratic ideals are leavening the English Tommies, and I predict as the result a strikimr growth of tho democratic spirit in England after the war."