A SON OF FRANCE

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3153, 3 August 1917, Page 3

A SON OF FRANCE

"Not__ under* two years—unless something Happens iiu Germany," said- Sergeant Edgard Puech, in N Sydney recently, when/asked what was rho feeling <.f the ! troops ■ in Ji'ance concerning tlio probable duration of the war. "We did think," he added, "when the Russians were fighting wholeheartedly with us, that the spring ■ would see the end—but not now. After ' all,' it is just as well to say what' one thinks, 'because t 0 buoy ourselves with false hopes inevitably means relaxation of effort at a time when the* greatest efforts are needed. , Why, a friend of mine was told by that great Frenchman, M. Humbert, at the begin 7 liing of 1916, that he saw no hope of the, war ending before 1919, and, possibly, not till 1 1!)20. . But," added Sergeant Puech, with a quiet smile of confidence, "there is now no doubt how it will end if the efforts of the Allies are maintained."

Sergeant Puecli was twice mentioned in dispatches, and is the proud wearer of the Croii de Guerre, with two stars. He is a son of 51. and Madame Puech, of liandwick, and is home ■. 011 three weeks' leave. His connection with the ivooT trade had taken ,hini to France, fateful July of 1914 found him 011, the soil of his homeland—ready to figh'f. After over two and a half years of hard fighting, Sergeant Puecli, though he has had some thrilling escapes, is practically uninjured, and, refreshed -by his voyage, he is'anxious to get back anil liis country until she no longer needs, the aid of hor sons.. A brother fell,before the murderous attack of the Germans on Verdun.