IN ENEMY TERRITORY

Taihape Daily Times, 27 January 1919, Page 4

IN ENEMY TERRITORY

o NEW ZEALAND TROOPS,

VISITED BY PRINCE OF

WALES,

From the Official War Correspondent. LEVERKUSEN, January 19

There is no more loyal part of the Empire than New Zealand, and every man in the Division is proud of the fact, It is therefore, befitting that the Prince who is to be our future King should pay our fighting force the compliment of a visit while it is •still in the field, and before it returns to its own land, Historically it is an interesting fact trial the heir to the Throne has visisted us during our occupation of the enemy territory. He comes to us as a soldier with the rank of major, to which ho was recently promoted, but he is still wearing his captain’s badges,* as he himcelf phrases it, he has not yet “put up his crown.” From the German frontier he flow across the Rhiile, ,hi? pilot winding up Ahe flight with some “stunting.’’ Over the great' waterway he came on to the New Zealand Division in an open car, and atended only by a young army captain who usually accompanies him on these journeys. The unostentatious manner in which he travels rather appelas to the army, as a whole, and especially to troops from overseas. In his recent visits to the enemy territory, he has risked danger of Bolshevists, being without guard or escort —another fact that appeals to the imagination and sporting spirit of our men. The Germans soon became aware that he was in their midst, but there wore not many who recognised him as ho walked through the streets of Cologne or entered shops there to make ’some ordinary purchases. With his youthful appearance and two rows of ribands, ho was taken, as he often is in French towns, for an aviator. During his stay with us, the Prince has spared neither time nor trouble to see as many officers land men of the Division as possible. He has mixed as freely with them as if he were one of themselves, and, by his bright manner, his sense of humour, his happy knack of tolling a story, and, above all, by the fact that ho is known for a keen and plucky, though modest soldier, who, if he were permitted, would have gone “over the top’’ with his men, he has undoubtedly endeared himself to the overseas troops.

Yesterday lie had a great day with the “ Diggers,' ’ mixing and chatting freely with them in the villages where they are billeted, at a shooting match, (where he himself shot), and at a football match. He quite succeeded in breaking through the traditional reserve of the New Zealand diggers, who, finding him so approachable, freely questioned him about his recent experiences and his future plans. They were especially interested in his projected visit to New Zealand, where he will be assured of a hearty welcome. This will be all the more enthusiastic because of his visit to our soldiers during the Avar.