WAR NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 15914, 21 September 1915, Page 2

WAR NOTES

[By Ex-Yeoman.] LONDON, August 5. —Tho Right Sort.—■ One constantly hears of incidents, hig and little, which convey a fine idea of the splendid -spirit animating the new army. The second battalion of the Queen’s Westminsters had to famish a- draft for the first battalion, now at the front, and after it was made up the commanding officer said that if any man selected had a good reason for -wishing to go on a later draft he would be pleased to hear it in private. Six of those selected availed themselves of this offer, some of the men wishing to wait until they conld go out with special chums they had joined with, for the purpose of serving together:. The consideration shown the men is worth thinking about, and it indicates a desire On the part of the authorities to consider tho feelings of the citizen soldiers. The G.O. then called for volunteers to take the place of the half-dozen men who wanted to defer their departure. Over 20 at once stepped forward, «(i .the officer literally flushed with pleasure as lie remarked': “ Ifc . is a great satisfaction to make itp a draft from such men.” One of the young soldiers who stepped forward was a mere lad of 17, who yearns to have a go at the Huns. He was highly elated at the chance, but his disappointment was plain when told that he must wait behind after all, as there were too many. The youngster even offered a comrade a bribe* of £1 to be allowed to take his place, but the chosen man said: “ I joined for the purpose of going to France, and I don't want to miss my chance.” The incident related can be classed with the smaller matters, but no one can think over it 'without recognising the spirit of our men, and feeling confident that our new armv null render a good account of itself. —Our Silent Navy.— The Archbishop.of York recently paid a visit to the Grand Fleet, which is so ably carrying out the mission for which it. was lormed. One of his three addresses to the men was made in an immense dry dock, and the archbishop says he will never forget the wonderful sight presented by the 9,C00 upturned faces, frank and bronzed, and the stillness with which his words were listened to. In spite of the strain imposed on the Navy of living up to its motto, “Ready, aye ready,” the sick amount to under 1 per cent, of the personnel. which is certainly remarkable. AVhether tho German grand fleet will ever risk a general engagement or not only time will show, but ottr Jack Tars'will be grievously disappointed if the enemy does not select “Der Tag,” and so give our men “Their Hour.” Few people realise what the silent Navy is doing for the Empire and the Allies’ in this great straggle, and it may not be out of place to give a few lines quoted by the archbishop, which are as follows: Sailor, what of the debt we owe you? Day or flight is the peril more? Who so dull that he fails to know you. Sleepless guard of our island shore? Safe the cbm to the farmyard taken,

Grain_ ships safe upon all the seas, Homes in peace and a faith unshaken, Sailor, what do we owe for these? —Singing Fighters.—

Londoners were surprised <1 few days ago to meet a party of Welsh Guards marching along the streets singing , in a manner which would have done credit to the professional chorus of a musical play. They were 80 picked songsters selected to take part in the Welsh Eisteddfod at Cardiff, and they knew their business. The singing fighters splendidly rendered a verse of ‘ Men of Hatlech ’ as they passed Buckingham Palace, and all sorts of airs popular as marching songs came in for attention during the march to Paddington. The party was under the conductorship of Private Jones, who appears to ho a talented soldier, and he has composed a song to the air of ‘ Men of Harlech,’ the opening lines readihg;

Men of Cardiff, we’re competing At Berlin Eisteddfod meeting. Writing about singing soldiers is a reminder that a favorite war song just now is entitled ‘ \Vhen We Wind Up the Watch On the Rhine.’ It is in great demand where our trenches are so near the Germans that conversation is possible between the rivals, and the Huns don’t at all appreciate the song, judging by what one can hear from our fighters. —Non-patriots,—

Splendidly as most sportsmen hare responded to the call of Empire, it is perhaps only natural to find some followers of professional sports who are standing aloof. The Scottish Football Association, for instance, 'have decided by 20 votes to 7 to continue football as. usual, with the exception that the National Cup will be dropped and no international matches arranged. Then wo have the news that no fewer than 1,200 professional footballers are on the retained list of the English League clubs. Men who are fit to play football are usually fit to fight, and the conduct of the professional soccer players and thaj amateur Rugger men (who have enlisted alrtiost to a man) is in markedcontrast. Nor can one speak highly of the professional golfers, very few of the well-known men having responded. As to the professional billiard cracks, the writer cannot think of one who has taken the patriotic step. The boxers have shown rip best in the professional world, and all these things will be remembered in the future. —Fighting Parsons.— • Many clergymen have set a good example by putting on the.' uniform, which means taking the first big step in following out one of the great things taught in the Bible. Many of the clergy constantly preach the doctrine “Greater love hatlr no mati than he who lays dowi* his life for his brother,” bdt putting this into practice is another 'matter. Some of them, however} are willing to practise what they preach, three of the latest recruits to the Aifny being the Rev. j. Evans, the Rev. Normaii Parc&ll, and the Rev. Arthur Pool. To defend one’s women folic and oilr homes from, a savage and brutal enemy is a duty which the clergv might be expected to show eagerness m doing, bub there are plenty who still Prefer preaching to fighting.