COURAGE AND FEAR.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 155, 30 June 1917, Page 18

COURAGE AND FEAR.

WHAT IS THE DIVIDING LINE 1

Tlie Canadians' hard training lias told, and they are quick to see tlie thing to do in the moment of extreme hazard (writes Mr. Phillip Cibbs. in describing the fighting round Fresnoy I. So on the ■way to Fresnov. when they found in front of them a" trench filled with C.erman grenadiers, they fell flat, as in their practice camps, and tired rifle grenades steadily and with deadly aim until the enemy surrendered or lied or died—it did not matter which to those grim men who wanted that ditch. Grim, but with great comradeship. It was an act of high self-secrifice when a corporal said to men caught tinder machine-gun tire, and lying out in the shell crater. "Wait till I run: then you beat it." He ran. drawing the cnemv's fire, and the other men had a

greater chance. In the attack a ?tokes mortar bomb fell at the feet nf a bomber, and lie had 14 seconds to save his men and himself, lie flung it at the German machine-gun emplacement, whore it exploded instant lv. What is the dividing line between courage and fear? I have seen a deal of tvar, and 1 cannot tell. ON'K MAN CAPTURES 72. Certainly the bravest men are most candid in their telling of fears, and it was a very brave man. a French Canadian, who said the other day between Arleux and Fresnoy. " By gum, I got scared! I Lot fair scared!"

Ami no wonder. For. arriving outside a Gprman dug-rmt. a man whom he took prisoner told him in French that there were more inside. " More " is an uncertain word. The French Canadian expeevctl two or three: but out came two (Jermnn officers and 70 men. anil just then the Canadian was quite alone.

it was tlien tl:at lie got seared. He \va = armed with nn!v two bombs, and li quilled tlie pins. and shouted. '•Stand liack. stand back, or 1 will kill

seventy-two Germans stood hack until rep it her Canadians arived and formed i escort for them.

■" I'.y gum. I »'as scared!'' said the FreiK-li Canadian.

Rut it was men no braver who cap tured Fresnoy.