BUSINESS IN THE TRENCHES.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 165, 14 April 1916, Page 1 (Supplement)

BUSINESS IN THE TRENCHES.

There are innumerable stories current just now, says Mr. Julius West, in "Soldiers of the Czar", as to the behaviour of the Russian Jewish soldier, who conies, of course, of a non-militant race. One of the yarns which Mr. West tells concerns a colonel who offered a Cross of St. George and 200 roubles to every soldier in his regiment who captured an ensign belonging to the enemy. "A day or two later a Jew came along with ono of these trophies, and was duly rewarded. A couple of day* later he appeared with another, and received another Cross and the cash reward', and was told he was a hero, etc. Two days afterwards he turned up with yet another ensign. "This time the colonel was nquisitive, and wanted to know how it was done. 'Well, sir, you see, I've made an arangement with a German sergeant. Wc swop flags; I get my Cross and the two hundred roubles, and he gets promoted. Only as his colonel doesn't giro him any money, T allow liim a commission on my takings.' "Perhaps T should add," says Mr. West, "that this story was told' me by Russian Jews, who are. ou the whole, very fond of telling tales against themselves, as they have a keen sense o! humour."