ANZACS IN FRANCE.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 219, 22 November 1916, Page 2

ANZACS IN FRANCE.

SCENES IN THE BIVOUACS. ALL HAPPY AND CHEERFUL. A ‘ ‘ Times ’ * correspondent at tlie British, headquarters says: “The Australasians this year are better acclimatised to the European weather. Last' year they suffered greatly from the rains and cold winds of the northern winter, especially the fresh arrivals from Australia or Egypt. Now they have learnt to billet themselves comfortably. I saw a number of them billeted in a half-ruined farm building. There was a roaring wood fire. Clothes and uniforms were pegged out everywhere drying in the roasting heat. The Australians w r ere grouped round the fire playing cards, smoking and yarning. All were happy and cheerful. It was different last year, when they were accustomed only to the warm Australian climate. They thought that the European precautions against cold were were faddishness. But frequent solds, chills and influenza brought discretion. “The Germans recognised that Pozieres and the adjoining ground were the most important point, and the key to their position. This resulted in the sternest and stubborncst contest, lasting for weeks. The Australians accomplished what would have been impossible to any troops not possessing perfect courage and determination and magnificent physique. But the Australians’ reputation does not rest on any single achievement. They have done much more than hold ground in the battle-line to-day. The New Zealanders fought as finely throughout as any of the foremost fighting regiments, and any list is not complete which does not include them. Magnificent was their share in the capture of Piers, and the fighting north-west of it, when they were a tower of strength to the British troops on each side. ‘ ‘ One effect of, the war on the Empire will be the fighting men’s bond to brotherhood. Oversea troops, since the battle of the Somm c began, have held an honourable place in the fighting line, continually sharing in operations involving the whole front, and invariably justifying the confidences placed in them. Australians, New Zealanders, Canadians, and Newfoundlanders have all distinguished themselves. The Australian fame on the SOrame will always be associated with Pozieres. No matter what laurels arc won, none could be more eternally evergreen than those earned when they fought yard by yard through the shell-swept village on an open ridge.”