BRITISH FORCES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 October 1939, Page 5

BRITISH FORCES

IN ACTION ON WESTERN FRONT FIGHTING IN RHINE AREA. APPRECIATIVE COMMENT IN FRANCE. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright. PARIS, October 19. The Press in recent days has been publishing stirring accounts of the first activities of the British troops on the Western Front. The ■■Excelsior" has its front page headed, "The Tommies have received their baptism of fire," adding that the advance guard of 30.000 are with the 32 divisions fighting on the Rhine front. The "Excelsior." in an editorial, says: -We know the spirit of our friends from across the sea. We realise fully that war is repugnant to them, but they will take their share of the risks, and the glory like our men and with the same courage and heroism." RAIN & FLOODS GERMANS PUMPING OUT FORTIFICATIONS. MAGINOT LINE ON HIGHER GROUND. (Received This Day, 10.10 a.m.) PARIS, October 19. Heavy rain is impeding operations on the West Front. The Rhine has flooded the Siegfried Line, where the German bank is two feet lower than the French. The clanking of pumps was heard throughout the night from the German fortifications. The water is licking the lower works of the Maginot Line, but the main casemates are well clear. RECONNAISSANCE FLIGHT (Received This Day, 10.10 a.m.) LONDON, October 19. A communique states that the Royal Air Force last night successfully reconnoitred north and west Germany. They reached their objectives and all machines returned.