HUN "BOOBY TRAPS”

Hokitika Guardian, 19 November 1918, Page 3

HUN "BOOBY TRAPS”

j Somewhere iu France j The Boche is nothing if not cunning ' nml wlien compelled by force of cir- , cumstances to retire “according to j plan,” as he is now doing, ho does his best to render the evacuated area I as unpleasant as possible for the incoming tenants by leaving in his wake delay-action mines or “booby-traps.” These are either timed, after the lapse of several days or even weeks or are so arranged that any incautious handling of the “bait” will fire the charge by the closing of an electric circuit. Before ou(r troops take up their permanent quarters, however, detach, meat of Tunnellers, specially selected ibr the job arc sent forward to examine likely spots and report all safe for occupation. The wily Hun must

nave many a quiet chuckle over some oi the little souvenirs he leaves behind him when handing over his comfortable dug-outs to the enemy, but “the best-laid’’ schemes o’ mice and men gang aft a-glev,” and seldom does a booby-trap escape the keen eyes of the searchers.

! Here is a dug-opt entrance. Go gin- | gcrly down tho stairway for a loose step j at the botom may press what will cut i you off for ever from the light of the : day; that shovel, too, carelessly left i sticking out of the wall, is a favourite trap and needs careful handling. The stove is most conveniently laid ready for lighting hut look for ail in- : stantaneous fuze hidden behind in tiie eliimnoy before attempting to cook your dinner at Fritz’s expense, 1 Do not touch those artificial flowers lying on the table if you value your life; for you may be quite sure that they are no sentimental peace-offering. That spiked helmet, hanging on the wall is very tempting, but you are too old a bird to be caught so easily; first cut the wires concealed behind it, and you can then send it safely home to your wife. All clear at last ! Chalk your trade mark and away to the next job—a wellfurnished cellar required as battle-quar-ters for the G.0.C.. In the corner, merrily ticking away, stands an eiglitday grandfather clock. It- looks harmless enough doesn’t it? But let a careless man forget to wind it up at tac end of the week, and tho unsuspecting general will he “missing, believed killed,” for the weight on reaching the floor will complete the fatal circuit It is a “low-down,” form of warfare, and being effective only in retreat we allow tlio Boche for once, the monopoly of it.