LIFE IN RUSSIA

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24066, 10 September 1941, Page 8

LIFE IN RUSSIA

MOSCOW PREPARED ARMY NATIONAL HEROES EXPLOITS BEHIND THE LINES "The signing of the British-Soviet pact brought the first genuine feeling of congeniality with the world at large experienced by the' Soviet Uniort in many moons," says the noted author, Krskine Caldwell, in a cable from Moscow to the American magazine Life. "There is now in Moscow open-hearted acceptance of tho British as allies in purpose and action. The pact has brought the Soviet to a common meet-ing-place with a large portion of the world. "During nearly four weeks of war not a single bomb has fallen on Moscow. Calm pervades the city. Each house and block is so well organised to combat the sudden appearance oi an invading German army that parachutists landing in Moscow would have just as much chance of survival as a pig walking over the Pulaski Skyway on Sunday afternoon. Confidence in Victory "The people I have talked to have no suggestion of defeatism in their make-up. They arc confident of eventual victory. Within three days of tho outbreak of war women were taking over men's jobs. They were driving street transport, harvesting, operating factory machinery, laying railway iron. "During tho first week of war I took a train t,rip through the Ukraine. In the entire trip 1 did not see a single clogged main line rail. The Soviet's highlv-developed, wood-burning, gaspropelled automobiles, trucks and tractors mav well prove iu the long run decisive factors in the war with Germany. There is no apparent scarcity of petrol and the prime object, of rationing is to prevent waste and conserve supplies. Awards for Gallantry "The people's respect tor and confidence in the Red Army amount to hero I worship. Members of the Red Army receive the awards of Hero of the Soviet Union, the Order of Lenin and the Order of the Red Banner. The visible sign of these awards is a large red enamel badge worn on the coat lapels. These Heroes of the Soviet Union have a following that is comparable to that of a Hollywood star in America. "Moscow papers are filled with episodes of partisan warfare behind the German lines. Citizens of the > occupied areas are said to be performing great service by nipping at the heels of the German army with acts of sabotage and rearguard action. The greater _ part of street conversation these days is the recital of the newest exploits in occupied territories. Impressive People's Army "The most rousing sight in Moscow is the People's Army. A Russian institution that dates back to 1812 during the Napoleonic War, the People's Army is composed of men between the ages of 18 and 50 who have not been able to enlist or have not been mobilised. It will be detailed to guard duty in the large cities or if the need arises will be engaged in front fighting. Company after company in civilian clothes passes through the streets day and night. . . "The curfew is from midnight to 4 a.m. During these hours there is not a light to be seen. Around every door you will find from two to five persons on duty. Frequently they step out and demand your night pass. On some nights I have been challenged as many as 12 times in walking eight blocks.