Great Britain

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 85, 14 April 1915, Page 5

Great Britain

A MIGHT IN THE TRENCHES “DON’T GET DOWNHEARTED, MY DEAR!” Times and Sidney Sun Service. London April 13.

A correspondent, who spent a night in the new British trenches, defending the shell-torn earth which they w v.i at Neuve Chapelle, says: “'lhere is no more cheerful spot under the British flag. It is worth a sleepless night to mix with the soldiers who suffered such hard knocks. Humors from London complaining of the heavy cost of this victory are not shared in the trendies. The soldiers understand the situation, and are prepared to pay the price of success. They point out that the ground was gained at no heavier losses that were sustained by the Bermans. s “A lot of our fellows were killed, but this time it was in pushing the Germans back instead of trying to hold them. You can’t realise,’ aid Tommy, ‘unless you have been fighting since Mens, how this busks our chaps up.’ “Round braziers made by holes punched in buckets and tins gather the soldiers off duty, warming themselves, frying bacon, and boiling tea They pass carefully along the tren-

dies, keeping their heads below the parapet to avoid bullets. “Dark patches are visible in the moonlight between the opposing trenches. These are masses of .mostrate bodies in the attitudes in which they fell. The Germans have not asked for an armistice to bury their dead, ana when the British previously asked it was refused, therefore the corpses remain. “Despite the grim actuality of war occasional sallies of wit are exctianged. but the jesters are careful not to show a head lest the joke prove their last. “At dawn where the trenches are sixty yards apart, good mornings are exchanged.

“An English-speaking German called out, ‘When’s Kitchener’s army coming. We want this war over, so that we can get home.’ Tommy replied. ‘Don’t get down-hearted, my deai-. You’ll know when Kitchener’s men arrive, because they will be travelling faster than you want.’ Tommy is full of admiration for the skill of the Germans, but there is universal confidence that the Germans have shot their bolt. An Irishman declared, ‘The Germans need a licking, and when anybody needs licking that’s the place for fighting Irishmen.’ None of the soldiers, judging from their conversation, gloried in the war, hut all were determined to stick to it till a decisive victory is secured.” The correspondent concludes, “Neuve Chapelle has given us confidence in our strength, tested onr organisation for offensive, and demonstrated the power and precision of our artillery.” THE IMPERIAL BUDGET. DRINK PROBLEM A QUESTION OF FINANCE. (Received 8 10 am.) London, April 13. The Times’ Parliamentary correspondent says: The Budget will he of exceptional interest and importance. The drink problem is largely a question of finance. Mr Lloyd George will have to face a serious loss as the result of the drink measures, which have been virtually settled. There will be no additional income-tax”.

BRITISH GENERALS CONFIDENT, United Press Association. London, April 13.

Lord Durham, speaking at a recruiting meeting, said lie saw Sir John French recently, and the latter said: “Our men are individually superior to the Germans. T know that when the time comes we can break through, but I want more ammunition. I want to pound the enemy, and to go on pounding, regardless of expense, because that will save the lives of our gallant men.” Another general said: “The ball is at our feet, and we can kick it if we have munitions.” MISCELLANEOUS. London, April 13. Lev. Fraser, principal of the Trinity College of Colombo, has arrived here, Bcferring to the loyalty of Indians he said there is the utmost enthusiasm for the cause of the Allies. Seven former seditious agitators are stirring the people into enlistment, not that the war is popular, but that the British rule is popular everywhere. Indians are saying, “Our 1 ?aj is in danger. Let us tight!” The death is reported of Lieut-Gene-ral Lomax, formerly commander of the First Division. He was invalided, owing to having been stunned by a shell. The Daily News says Cabinet considers the State liquor monopoly proposal on Monday.