BILLIARDS IN MESOPOTAMIA

Evening Star, Issue 19616, 23 July 1927, Page 23

BILLIARDS IN MESOPOTAMIA

HAPPY BRITISH SOLDIERS [Written by George Cecil, for the ‘livening Star.’] Btfore the late war billiards were unknown in Mesopotamia. When, however, at the conclusion of hostilities British troops occupied tho country, and, after the manner of their kind, niado themselves very much at home, every b illiards-playing warrior demanded a table. The G.O.C. (General Officer Commanding) raised objection, and, regimental funds and subscriptions being forthcoming, attempts were made to secure tables lor sergeants’ mosses and men’s recreation rooms. Tho Young Men’s Christian Association came forward with financial assistance; other well-disposed stay-at-home people, some of whom had tho vaguest idea as to the whereabouts of Mesopotamia, also contributed. Jn a few weeks plenty of money was to be had lor the laudable purpose. , , . . The next thing was to obtain the necessary tables, and this meant trouble. Procuring them from England took a considerable time, sen transport from Home at that period being a matter of difficulty, while inland conveyance by camel-drawn carts seldom could be requisitioned. Eventually tho soldiers, tiring of being kept waiting for an English table, full-sized and complete with pockets, agreed to put up with the small pocketless substitute of Continental manufacture. There were several for sale in Egypt, Turkey, and Greece; a short voyage would bring them to tho nearest port; regimental mulo transport could bo depended on for the rest. The tables were despatched on tho “ cash against documents” principle; the British Army of Occupation was happy. Wnen tho acquisitions were unpacked it was found that they needed tho carpenter’s attentions before being put to practical use. But the soldier i« a handy man, and in a very short time all damage was made good. A NIGHT ATTACK. Recently a table had to be despatched to military outpost on the edge of tho desert, being conveyed in a “ service” motor lorry under tho usual armed escort. The convoy left Damascus at dawn, darkness falling without anything unusual happening. At midnight, however, a shot rang out; a Bedouin robber was heard demanding a halt. Ten mounted rascallions appeared from behind a sand dune, and with levelled rifles of native manufacture, menaced tho driver and the guard, consisting of four soldiers. But they menaced in vain; for, less than two minutes after their appearance, Hire fell to earth, the fourth being saved through his horse rearing and receiving the bullet intended for the rider. The remaining seven made off as fast as their nags could lay legs to the ground, though not without providing targets for the marksmen. Two of them were laid low'. . . .

Happenings such as tho above are common, for the natives, though not players, will go to any lengths to procuer a table. They can sell tho booty in the bazaars of Damascus and Bagdad. where the colored saloon-keepers do not ask inconvenient questions when invited to bid for a table which thev know to have been acquired under susjpieious circumstances. . . . The money is handed over; the seller goes whence he came. Mesopotamia scarcely is an ideal country in which to play billiards. The heat is appalling; flies abound; there is no drainage system; the mud from the Tigris sticks to one’s clothes for days. Yet tho British soldier, thanks to his daily game, manages to enjoy life!