FOOL OR FOE?
INCIDENT AT THE BEACH BAITER T.
It was rumored in the City this morning that an attempt had been made by it man to tamper with the guns at tho Heads, and that lie had been fired at some five yards from the battery. Although the story itself was nonsense, it represented n. distorted version of an actual incident which occurred at the Central Battery- at Ocean Beach, and which was narrated , by the Minister of Defence to a ‘ Star ’ reporter this morning. Mr Allen explained that it was quite true that a man surreptitiously entered the outer yard of the Beach battery, but learned Instantaneously that, whether his mission was that of a fool or a foe, tho sentries were alert and in no mood for nonsense. .The man -was immediately" challenged, and ho promptly lay on the ground. Another challenge caused him incontinently to seek flight, and, as he ran two bullets whiazed about him. It was impossible to say whether the man was bent on committing wilful mischief or merely out for a “joke,” blit if ho were looking for fun he must have got the surprise of his life. The sentries were alert, and prepared to discharge their responsibilities with full effect. They immediately did their duty, and it was lucky for the intruder, th*t the .bullets did, not find a living target. The incident will, demonstrate to enemies, fools, and incautious folk that in time of war a lattery is to be avoided.
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Bibliographic details
FOOL OR FOE?, Evening Star, Issue 15659, 25 November 1914
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251FOOL OR FOE? Evening Star, Issue 15659, 25 November 1914
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