ON THE WESTERN FRONT

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 259, 15 November 1939, Page 1

ON THE WESTERN FRONT

DIGGING IN FOR WINTER WATER, • FILLS TRENCHES WESTERN FRONT, Oct. 25 Deliberately, the British Army in Franco is digging jn lor the .winter, but it will not be for the Army lenders, but for London, to decide what the next move must be. Now that a. strong position has been established, with anti-tank obstacles built and anti-aircraft guns in position, the army is making sure that these works will survive, the winter rains, and is making itself as comfortable as it can expect to bo during the next four months. The problem which the company commander faces at this stage is toi get rid of water that i.s likely toi fill the positions that his troops occupy. A single, platoon position is likely to need three drains to keep its trenches and strong posts dry, and along .such dlraiiis water is already pouring briskly. It will not be long before pumps are in action, pumping out the water. At the same time, the rain, which is turning the trenches into creeks, is making the positions hopeless to attack. Cold military theory insists that steep-sided anti-tank obstacles can be so battered and flattened out by artillery bombardments that tanks will be able to clamber through them, hut. infantrymen, who occupy front line position, are convinced that bom-, bardments will convert the trendies into morasses, in which the tanks will flounder helplessly. Behind the front line, troops are busy making themselves reasonably comfortable. Honchos and tables are being made from such odd bits ol timber as can be found. Electric: light is being laid! bn in barns in which these mud-stained trench diggers .sleep. In softie districts, officers and men are making a weekly journey to army or public baths in order to get clean. The French farmers are doing it'll that they can to make their guests comfortable, and the soldiers are settling down. The other day an inspecting officer found half a dozen hares and pheasants hanging from the raltor el a ha ill engaged in the shooting expedition, explained: “Wo had to delend ourselves.” •* The billeted soldiers, enjoyed a- palatable change I rout the army diet.