HIGHLANDERS’ STAND.

Taihape Daily Times, 27 April 1918, Page 6

HIGHLANDERS’ STAND.

London, April 13. Mr. Hamilton Fife says that after 24 hours’ fighting on Messines Ridge, the enemy gained a footing in the village. A machine-gunner says:—“The Germans were so thick we could shoot them down with our eyes shut. We fired straight into them, and they went down in heaps, but they were so thick we could not stop them.” The Highlanders fought splendidly. I saw wounded in bonnets and kilts, waiting for attention. I said, “You Highlanders are everywhere, you get into all battles.” With a broad grin and smoke-blackened features, one replied, “We’re never far awa’ ” The Highlanders said that the German efforts to cross the Lys were prodigious. They got it hot and strong. “We were told to hold our fire, and when the crowds were crossing to let fly. It was murderous.” ’A little Yorkshireman- remarked: “We had just as good alongside the hedge. The rows of grey uniforms were not expecting us. We pumped Lewis-gun into them till our arms ached.” Illustrating the coolness of the Highlanders, an officer said that a number found food in the trenches where the troops had just retreated. They prepared bacon and eggs and ate with fine appetite amidst the terrific battle din, one remarking with his mouth full: “Never miss a chance is our motto.” In the fighting about White Chateau the Royal Scots were splendid. Both Highlanders and Lowlanders fought with stubbornness and valour.

A story is told of two machine-gun-ners who were compelled to fall back, leaving their guns in the possession of the enemy. They brooded over the loss until nightfall. Then they went out, crept 800 yards into the German positions, returned with their own guns, and an extra German one. The German claims in regard to prisoners are untrue ,and are apparently based on the size and character of the front of attacks and the probable number of the defenders. They claimed 3000 prisoners at Armentiercs, though the fact is that the town was evacuated without pressure and Quite deliberately. If there were any prisoners they must have been odd stragglers and outlying posts. The claim that they captured a British general is probably correct, for • a brigadier gallantly rallied a handful of men and counter attacked, advancing on masses of Germans. The enemy continued his ruthless shewing, and threw gas shells into the innocent village, poisoning 50 civilians, mostly women and children.