EXTRA RUM TOT FOR FROSTY CHRISTMAS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 305, 27 December 1939, Page 7

EXTRA RUM TOT FOR FROSTY CHRISTMAS.

WESTERN FRONT.

All Quiet Except For Nazi

Loud-Speakers.

BROADCASTS IN TRENCH.

United Preas Association.—Copyright.

(Received 8.30 a.m.)

LONDON, December 26.

The Paris war communique states: "There has been quiet on the entire Western Front, except for German loud-speakers broadcasting pure French records," for the benefit of the French troops.

An extra wine ration was issued to French outposts on the Saar and the Palatinate, and extra chocolate and rum rations to the British.

An earlier report said that activity on the part of enemy patrols dashed hopes of a Christmas truce similar to that of 1914 and kept sentries and men who were manning guns unwaveringly vigilant. However, fog and frost stopped all except essential movements and immobilised the air forces of both sides.

The war zone was blanketed by white mist, the roads were coated with ice, and trees look ghostly under white mantles.

Their Majesties' Christmas cards were delivered to each man as he enjoyed a nearly normal Christmas dinner. Many members of the Air Force donned beards to play Santa Claus at French children's parties. Children in one village sang, "Hang Out the Washing on the Siegfried Line," in French.

The well-known English entertainer, Miae Gracie Fields, temporarily returned from her convalescence at Capri ana delighted members of the Air Force at a series of concerts. She said: "Let's hope all this nonsense will be over next Christmas."

British and French troops exchanged gifts and joined in Mass and other religioue services together.