HUMOUR OF WAR

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21209, 4 September 1940, Page 7

HUMOUR OF WAR

DRESSED UP FOR RAID WANTED TO LOOK DECENT OPINION OF CENTENARIAN (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel Copyright) LONDON, Sept. 3 Among the flashes of humour relieving the grim reality of the air raids is the story of an elderly woman in Sunderland, which is frequently bombed. She was found changing into her best dress when the siren sounded. Asked why she was “dressing up” for an air-raid shelter she replied: “I want to look decent, don’t I? And, besides, I don’t want the Germans to ruin my best dress.” “I don’t think much of this war,” declared a 101-year-old Plymouth woman, Mrs Ellen James. “I remember the Crimea. That was a proper war. Men fought with swords and guns, not with stupid things in the air.” When a Bristol woman, who is so deaf that she cannot hear the sirens, goes to bed she ties a string to one toe and leaves the end hanging out of the window. She has an arrangement with the warden that he pulls the string when the alarm sounds. Mr and Mrs English, of Surrey, propose to name their infant daughter Sireen. because she was born as an “all clear” siren sounded.

The National Animal A.R.P. Committee is having tethering staples fixed to the sides of public air-raid shelters, so that pedestrians can leave their pets securely fastened outside. Usually, animals are not allowed in the shelters.

Hundreds of householders have placed notices outside their homes stating that dogs may be left there during raids. Half a million animal guards have been appointed to patrol the streets and round up • lost animals. NOTHING TO REPORT FIGHTING IN AFRICA (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Sept. 4, 11 a.m.) LONDON, Sept. 3 A Cairo official communique states that there is nothing to report.