GODFATHERS IN KHAKI

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 13429, 17 April 1944, Page 4

GODFATHERS IN KHAKI

TWO INDIAN GIRLS ADOPTED BRITISH REGIMENT ON BURMA FRONT Two eight-year-old Indian girls. Katoo and Benlah, who are both orphans of the famine, were brought iti for treatment by the medical of-

ficer of a British regiment on the Burma frontier, states an English exchange. They soon became great favourites, and were unofficially adopted, along with two small boys, Lilmia, aged G, and Raidar Ali, aged 5. But after they had recovered, much to the regret of 'the soldiers, the girls were sent away to an institution at Mirzapore, in the United Provinces, a thousand miles away, the regiment subscribing over £IOO i'or their benefit.

But Katoo and Beulah had tasted of the cream of human kindness that of the British Tommy—and their motto was: Once a daughter of the regiment, always a daughter of the regiment. So within a week they were back with their Army friends. Nobody can explain how they managed to travel 1000 miles in six days, and they themselves are not telling. No doubt they thought it unfair that the boys should stay with the soldiers while they were sent away; and it was true that Lilmia and Raidar Ali, now nicknamed Tuppence and Wimpey, were having a grand time, and joining in all the camp affairs. But the little Indian girls had an enthusiastic reception when they did come back, and it has been decided that for the time being, at least, they shall stay with the regiment.

So there tliey are, Katoo and Beulah, Tuppence and Winipey, all bask•hig in the affection of their godfathers in khaki.