IN THE TRENCHES

Evening Post, Volume XC, Issue 86, 9 October 1915, Page 14

IN THE TRENCHES

FRENCH ARMY'S CONFIDENCE. The following is a., recent impression given by a highly-placed French officer of what the troops are facing on the western front: — "In concrete " subterranean works, arj moured and catsemated, armed with rapid-firers and mortars, and linked to one another by ( marvellously concealed communicating trenches, which are protected by the fire of heavy batteries, dwell the infantry, abundantly provided with rifles and hand grenades. To take possession of one of these works, it is first necessary to dismantle these trenches and destroy the material which they shelter. This is the artillery's task. No one before the war could have imagined the vast amount' of shells required". Several thousand shells fired during a few hours on a restricted space announce an attack for which this prepartion is being made. But no matter how numer ous the heavy guns or how well directed their fire, it often happens that the preparation has been insufficient. One or two rapid-firers mow down the troops who climb from the trenches ready for the charge, and, after suffering heavy sacrifices, the attacking party arrive at the first line of trenches of the enemy. The opposing artillery, with a literal wall of fire, effectively prevents any reinforcements from advancing to their support. They must fortify the captured trenches, being subjected the while to a much more accurate bombardment, as the enemy knows the exact range of their former positions. Such offensive movements could not be multiplied nor prolonged indefinitely, as much on account of the moral and physical effort which they demand of the men as on account of the losses which they involve. Neither can such offensives be improvised Before beginning an attack large quantities of material and projectiles must be gathered in one place previously appointed by the commander, advanced fortifications dug, and the ground minutely studied. But even when no engagements take place, the life of the troops in the trenches is a- continual battle. The first line of infantry, only a few metres distant from the enemy, enjoys not a single minute of quietude. It is under the constant menace of grenades, bursting shrapnel, bombs from mine-throwers, and there is continual fear of subterranean mines." Nevertheless, this officer remarks : "The French Army has gained from its long sojourn in the trenches magnificent endurance. It has lost nothing of its eagerness and confidence. Its faith in the offensive remains intact. Its morale is the admiration of those who command it. This morale is the best gauge of final victory, by which our territory will be liberated, Europe freed, and peace reestablished."

"You havo.n'fc suiy serious or organic trouble," said the young physician, cheerfully. "You're a little nervous and run down, that's all. Take mote exercise, eat less, and forget your troubles." The hypochondriac snorted. "Young man," ho demanded, his voice hhaking, "how long have you been a doctor?" "1 took my tlcerreo throe years ago," answered t.he medico. "Ami 1 am an in\Bhd of twenty 'five joins' esp*vl<Miee. Who **c