NIGHT LIFE OF A SOLDIER

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 12, 9 October 1939, Page 7

NIGHT LIFE OF A SOLDIER

Trentham Sidelights PLEASANTEST TIME IN A RECRUIT’S DAY After dark is the pleasantest time ju camp.' The cool summer evenings •are ideal for the hundreds of wen who have had a hard day’s training at the Central Mobilization Camp at. Trentham. They move about the streets of the camp, lit with powerful Jloodlamps, and in between the rows of the electrically-lit tents. From the nearbv hills the camp is a magnificent spectacle. Besides the lights in the mass of camp buildings, there are hundreds in the tents and tent lines, making the effect like that of a miniature city. The whole camp is thrown into impressive relief by the dark expanses of open territory, which comprise the outskirts. Groups of men sit round their rents polishing gear and exchanging reminiscences. Formalities were dispensed with the first day—they are now well known to eacli other by Christian names or nicknames, some relies of schooldays and others labels bestowed by new camp friends. After a hot tea, which is the main meal of the day—served at 5.30 p.m.—the men are free till 10.30 p.m. The institute tents with their writing and reading facilities are crowded. Every available foot of tables is occupied with men writing home their first impressions of soldiering. There are now Y.M.C.A. and Salvation Army institutes; soon there will be a third, Church of England. The present large tents are to be replaced with permanent buildings. There is a radio set in each. Up till time to retire, there is a constant stream of men going from the institute to the post office"; they can post their letters in the institutes, but many prefer to take the short walk over to the post oil! re. Tlie canteen is packed. The men order their soft drinks and stand round, talking over the day’s events and reading the newspapers. Here and there a group will have a friendly argument over who is “third from the end” in the scene of camp life illustrated in that morning’s paper. Some prefer to make up their beds early and lie about reading and resting. JWitli a good meal under their belts, mail to read from home, a fine night mid a warm breeze floating in through an open tent flap, the military life feels really good.