In the West

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 73, 29 March 1915, Page 8

In the West

MISCELLANEOUS.

United Peess Association. London, March 27

An officer gives Ins impression of tiie battle of Neuve Clmpelle: “It was{ night when we stood to arms, in the inky darkness, preparing for the dawn. No sound was heard, except the purring of a motor supply waggon churning up the mud by the roadside. The men, heavy after only two hours’ sleep, stumbled out into the roadway laden with ammunition and equipment. The sergeant walked briskly along the line, telling them to liven themselves up. Suddenly came the order, ‘March!’ Nobody had breakfasted. We trudged along the narrow road as dawn broke. Next across the sodden fields a gun boomed miles away. Another answered. The business of the day had begun. Bursts of rifle fire whizzed across like a shower of rain. The noise increased as our shells screamed across in unending procession, and the whole atmosphere quivered with shrieks and whistles. We made 250 yards under a withering fire, the men falling to right and left. The ground was dotted with holes and shell pits. No cover was visible. The enemy was now 300 yards distant/ I felt a sting In the leg, a sharp pain, and rolled over like a shot rabbit. After waiting hours, 1 was put bn a stretcher and swiftly run in a lied Cross car to a little French town.

-.Tlie music of battle faded, followed by aii almost miraculous silence.”