AMERICANS JOIN BRITISH.

Taihape Daily Times, 4 July 1918, Page 3

AMERICANS JOIN BRITISH.

ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION. Troops of the new American army have arrived within the zone of the British forces in Northern France and now—May 18—are completing their training in the area occupied hy the troops which axe blocking the path of the Germans to the Channel ports. Their commander has already commanded American forces in tretches on the French front, says the special correspondent of the New York Herald. The British officers and men who are Wining the new force say the Americans are of the finest material and are certain to give a most excellent account of themselves when they meet the Germans. The British troops greeted the Americans not only as comrades in arms, but as warm friends, and the work of instruction is being continued in that spirit. The American force on arriving within the British zone were cheered to the skies by the sons of Britain, many of whom bore unmistakable signs of battle. They bad not seen the Americans before, but they knew they Were coming. The Americans on the other hand gained all the more enthusiasm hy the heartiness of the greeting which they received from their battle-scarred comrades in arms. The last stages of their training before entering the firing line were begun almost as soon as they reached their destination. From that point tbey could hear the rumble of the notdistant guns. Soldiers from General Pershing's army, have been in line with the French and British in front of armies for some time, but the decision to send additional forces from America direct to the British Army was made after the great German drive launched on March- 21 was well under way. Less than two months has been required to get the first of these troops across the sea and into position. Unless a great emergency arises when the German assault is renewed, it is not regarded as probable that the American .battalions will be employed on the front-line for some time. i The immediate result of greatest importance probably is that the battalions of British troops displaced in these divisions by the Americans will ! be available to fill up other British divisions to full strength, or for the organisation of new British divisions, as General Haig deems best. To that extent, the Americans now are acting as reinforcements for the British lines. It is anticipated that a limited amount of additional training unoer existing conditions will round them into shape for any work that may be assigned to them later. If the course of the German offensive permits the same practice follow- . ed in training General Pershing's original forces probably will be carried qut in Flanders. In that case, the divisions with which American units hjave been brigaded will receive front line. ( duty in quiet sectors for a time, until Americans are seasoned to trench warfare. Thereafter, the divisions undoubtedly will be used wher!eyer the course of battle takes them. The -Americans are a part of the British Army until it shall seem wiser to withdraw them for service directly under General Per«b:ng.