SOLDIERS’ LETTERS.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 August 1917, Page 3

SOLDIERS’ LETTERS.

A letter received from Private Lewis Lyons, fourth son of Mr. B. Lyons of Stafford, who left with the 20th Reinforcements ; dated 20th June, says:— Wo arrived in Franco on the, 2nd March and the weather conditions were very had. Snow lay on the ground for weeks. We passed through all training camp areas and practically every British regiment was represented. We left Base some weeks later and camped near sonic fine towns and again moved up here in readiness for the stunts.; Naturally tilings were exciting in the camp, and wo reached the trenchos alright, though Fritz put over a few gas shells. At 3.30 ”a.m., the artillery opened out and needless to say the .results achieved after such preparation, simultaneously the mines exploded, and dozens of Fritz’s batteries were wiped out of existence. Really the whole organisation is marvellous and the whole affa’r reminded one of a grand opera. At. 3.501 a.m., our officers gave- the order ‘‘four minutes to go boys” and at the appointed time wo vnwit over the top. Fritz was so disorganised that hundreds of them rail' towards us with the already prepared cry of “Mercy Kamerad” and they had no equipment other than a gas helmet. Our boys did well and bur company’s, objective was some distance beyond Ales sines and they reached their objective in jess than half the time allotted to them, and we did dig in. , Old Fritz replied in a very weak manner, but during the afternoon he threw over a lot of “heavies” and whiz-bangs. One shell landed exactly three feet away and buried four of us. V was the last to get out after some minutes nerve rack- j ing experience. We held the position for some days and .then were relieved and wo did enjoy a night’s sleep. The Germans made four attempted counter-' •attacks and the marvellous artillery I concentration melted away Ins regi-! merits. His losses were awful, though he is on the supposed defensive. We could see them in hundreds going for their lives. I'saw Lionel (his brother) and he looks splendid. The weather now is glorious and one can fully realise when you see this beautiful country why Fritz wished to add to his possessions.

'Private H. Harding, writing to his father, Mr. H. Harding of Hokitika from France on July 31st mentioned that ho and his , brother had ‘ come through the Mcssines fight all right. It was a great “go” and where they advanced the ground was 'covered with German dead. Saw Theo Lynch, but he had not been in tho fight also Percy Gptbush who had gone through it safely. There were a lot of Hokitika hoys there but. they are in the ‘‘Dinkums” (Rifle Brigade) and not in the same camp.