BRITISH FORCES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 January 1940, Page 5

BRITISH FORCES

FIRST MILITIAMEN ARRIVE

ACCORDING TO AGENCY MESSAGES.

WESTERN FRONT QUIET.

(British Official Wireless.)

RUGBY, January 27. According to agency messages the first contingents of British militiamen arrived in France during the past few days. These men are those first called up under the compulsory service legislation, and they joined the colours before the outbreak of the war. The Wai- Office announces that there is not a word of truth in a statement made by the German wireless that the B.E.F. in France is suffering severely from influenza. The latest French war communique states that there is nothing to report on the Western Front.

The German communique says there was activity by artillery and patrols. German troops fired bn French loudspeakers used at the front for propaganda denouncing Herr Hitler, states another Berlin report. Yesterday there was a great increase in French patrol activity, and much useful information was brought back without interference from the enemy.

The front was generally rather livelier yesterday as a result of an improvement in the weather. German troops were seen building fortifications, and French artillery opened up and dispersed them. German guns returned the fire, and there was a sharp exchange for some time. There was more flying, and a number of decisive engagements were reported over eastern France. One French reconnaissance machine was attacked by 12 Messerschmitts while carrying out a survey over southern Germany. It managed to escape to safety by power-diving to its own lines.

WAR COMMUNIQUE FRENCH OFFICIAL REPORT. (Received This Day, 9.35 a.m.) PARIS, January 28. A war communique for the fifth day says there is nothing to report. GERMAN VERSION AGREES (Received This Day, 9.35 a.m.) LONDON, January 28. A communique, issued in Berlin, states that there is nothing of importance to report. BELGIANJFRONTIER REOPENED AT SEVERAL POINTS. RESTORATION OF PRE-CRISIS CONDITIONS. (Received This Day, 9.35 a.m.) BRUSSELS, January 28. The Belgian-German frontier is being reopened at several points, including Eupen, thus restoring pre-crisis conditions. POLISH AIRMEN HUNDRED JOIN BRITISH FORCES. SELF-CONTAINED UNITS. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 10.40 a.m.) RUGBY, January 28. Some 100 Poles, all of whom have had flying experience against Germany, many being noted pilots, were inspected yesterday by the British Air Minister, Sir Kingsley Wood. These men form a valuable addition to the Royal Air Force, of which they are now a part, having been attested into the service, first by taking the oath of allegiance to the King in English and later in Polish, before a priest and their colonel. The Polish personnel will form self-contained units, controlled only by the British High Command.