WAR NOTES.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 November 1916, Page 10

WAR NOTES.

_lt has been stated on several occasions recently in English papers that the casualty lists published in the Old Country show that quite a large number of the men in English liospitals have gone from America. One of the hospital orderlies who returned by the Marama stated in conversation the other day that it was amazing to note the large number of Americans who were taken across the Channel for hospital treatment among English wounded. He was asked if these men were not chiefly with the Canadian contingents, but said, "Oh, not at all." There were wounded men from every British regiment who were American bv birth, tie also said, that all the British "Tommfes" going across to England on the hospital ship were confident that things on the West front would not last long. The Britishers were sure of themselves. They knew that they were more than a mutch for the Germans wherever they y.ere met, especially with the bayonet.

A Southland farmer With two sons, who have, ever since the war broke out, wished to join the forces, hut liave been threatened with disinheritance if they left home for the purpose, was waited on by a recruiting agent the other day. Various arguments were adduced to alter the father's viewpoint, but were unavailing until reference was made to the recent appeal from the Mo'thefland, which, the agent pointed out, would not Jiave been made ■had more men not been urgently required. After hesitation, the old man, turning to the younger boy, who is somewhat impaired in health, exclaimed: "You can go, Jack." The elder son hotly protested, and reminded his father that his brother was not fit to serve, and would not pass; and, with determination written on 'his face, said: "Put me down, recruiting offic&r. 1 will take Jack's place." His name was recorded, and, losing no time, the young man visited the doctor the same day and passed the examination.

One German officer said it was "an impertinence" to use "tanks"; and some of the soldiers regarded them with some sort of superstitious terror, till daylight disclosed their true nature (writes a correspondent from Prance) Even then they were alarming enough. With ludicrous serenity they wabbled across the gridiron fields and shook themselves as if the bullets were flies that bit just deep enough to deserve a flick . Those who had inspected these saurians in their alfresco stalls beforehand or followed their lethargic course over impossible roads in the moonlight gasped with humorous wonder at the prodigy. Maunchausen never approached the stories imagined for them by soldiers. But their .pet name is "tanks," and they are ehietiy regarded as a. practical joke. Whales, Boojums, Dreadnoughts, slugs, snakes—never were creatures that so tempted the gift of nicknaming. They were said to live on trees and houses and jump like grasshoppers or kangaroos. Tiie crews had the full pioneer spirit. The courage of the men who took this virgin journey in the Trojan motor-cars was rewarded. The "tanks" did not make the success of the day, but they did good service. One was able to pursue a number of Germans down the Bapamne road, and took prisoners. gome trenches w>ere enfiladed by them, and useful firing was recorded of a "tank" whidi entered Piers ,\vli&re it is said to have walked down the exHigh street amid cheers. Several had dashing adventures. One appeared to break into* flames and smoke, but was in truth shaking off from its pachyderm the petty insults of German bombers. "We got nothing from them but blue sparks," said one captured niacliinegunnor.