CAPTURES OF MACHINE GUNS

Colonist, Volume LVII, Issue 13745, 7 April 1915, Page 5

CAPTURES OF MACHINE GUNS

IMPORTANCE OVERRATED,

CANADIANS EAGER TO FIGHT,

London, April 2.

"Eye-Witness," with the British Headquarters, writes: "It is necessary to warn the public against attaching undue importance to the capture of machine guns, which, are merely pieces of machinery provided to earn their keep in the number of enemies slaughtered. Their loss or destruction does not count. They can be replaced instantly ; the slain cannot be replaced for a generation. The guns are of the Maxim type/ carried on a small and inconspicuous sledge or stretcher mounting."

The Press Bureau states that a Canadian eye-witness reports: "Our troops were ready to attack Neuve Chapelle if required. They were longing for the order, because the Germans presumed on a. slight acquaintance. On the first night the Canadians went to the trenches, the Germans called out: 'Come out and fight, you Canadians!' General Aldersons, addressing the troops, said that men new to the trenches always shoot at nothing the first night. 'You won't. It wastes ammunition and hurts no one. The enemy presume that you are new and nervous troops. When you are shelled sit low and tight. There's nothing else to do. If you get out, you only get it worse. If you go out, the Germans go in' "