WESTERN FRONT.

Taihape Daily Times, 19 March 1918, Page 6

WESTERN FRONT.

AMERICANS IN FRANCE.

MAGNIFICENT EQUIPMENT.

LONDON, Feb. 28.

The advance guard of the American Army is taking its first experience in the war in Lorraine, where patrol encounters have already occurred with Bavarian troops. The Germans long sought to deride the American military efforts, but now they are beginning to view with alarm the preparations of this great new power which is coming into the battle-line on j the western front.

. The advance guard of the United . States regular army and the National Guard already make a respectable field force ,though they represent only ' small fraction of the huge citizen army which will follow before long. Vast numbers of engineers and technical troops are behind the lines, preparing communications and transport routes, without which large numbers would be unable to operate. The American staff officers talk In millions, and many hundreds of thousands of men are already in all stages of training. The divisions are magnificently equipped, and the artillery, machine-guns, transport services, and food supplies are the admiration of skilled armies.

Individually the American soldier is more like the Australian soldier than any other, and his general appearance is keenly reminiscent of the first troops which left Australia. They belong to all classes of society, and are entering the war with the utmost enthusiasm. They represent the public opinion of a great democratic people whose minds are now turned exclusively to the active participation in a war of liberty which is more vital to their national freedom than any which they ever fought. The men's modest bearing and attitude they entered the line alongside the older fighting armies impressed all observers. It betokens the serious purpose to which they are addressing themselves. Equally noteworthy is the eagerness with which they receive and absorb every guidance which the more experienced armies are able to offer.

British and French officers attached to the American army express admiration for the soldierly qualities and efficiency of thfi first fighting troops. Many visits are being exchanged between the American and Australian officers, and these revea! the highest mutual apreciation of each other as free peoples in a new world fignting to maintain civilisation and liberty in Europe.