THEIR BAPTISM OF FIRE

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 248, 20 October 1939, Page 7

THEIR BAPTISM OF FIRE

Tommies On West Front

FRENCH TRIBUTE Journalists, Artists And Cameramen Busy SOLDIERS AS ACTORS (United Press Association.—Copyright.—Received 10 a.m.) LONDON, October 19. The French Press during the last few days has bien publishing stirring accounts of the first activities of the British troops on the Western Front. The Excelsior s" front page was headed "The Tommies have received their baptism of fire," adding that the advance guard of 32,000 are with the 32 divisions fighting on the Rhine front. The same paper, in a leader, 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, with the same courage and heroism."

Notable changcs distinguish the British Expeditionary Force of 1939 from that of 1914, writes Reuter's war correspondent after accompanying the Duke of Windsor, the Duke of Gloucester, and the Commander-in-Chief of the British Field Forces, Viscount Gort, V.C., on a tour of inspection of the British lines.

Although the British zone is alive with men and arms, it is possible to drive throughout the area and scarcely see a sign of activity. The complete absence of horses and mules has contributed to the effectiveness. Moreover, columns of infantry are scarcely ever seen on the march, and no lines of cars ever give away the presence of headquarters.

Journalists and novelists move among the fighting forces, while photographers and official artists are recording the scenes. Cameramen are working continually.

The modern soldier, indeed, is learning something of film acting. Touring the lines one often hears, "Could you raise your rifle a little, Please do not look at the camera," "Please repeat that."

The 8.8.C. has also sent a team of experts to the front. / Piles of records are now being made.

i The one-piece battle dress has broken down the sartorial distinction of officers And men, and has done away with tHe necessity for polishing buttons, and also the endless winding of puttees. Officers off duty are now resorting to the wearing of forage caps as one of the few signs of rank.