THE ANZACS.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 May 1916, Page 5

THE ANZACS.

AN UNOBSTRUSIVE LANDING. HAVING A GOOD TIME. THE MAORIS POPULAR. London, May 12. A correspondent at British headquarters states that never, since the first British Expeditionary Force secretly entered Prance, lias there been a less obtrusive entry than that of the Anzacs, but they have already accomplished a' record of quick popularity with the country folk among whom they are billeted. _ Apart from their claims to admiration owing to their physique and their coquettish hats, which have a particular charm for the village maidens, the Anzacs appeal to the inhabitants' hearts because they have travelled thousands of miles to fight for them. The Anzacs now know that the Germans are tougher customers than Ibraham and Abdul, and on his side the Boche has doubtless conceived a much enhanced respect for the Anzacs. All German attempts to shake the Anzacs'' spirits by alternately cajoling and strafing have ended distinctly in favor of the Anzacs.

Already the Maori warriors are a parable among the children for good humor and liberality in the chocolate shops. It is a real study in telepathy to observe how thoroughly the soldiers and youngsters understand one another despite their linguistic shortcomings. The Anzacs are unanimous that they are having a good time. "We are amongst real people," said the New Zealanders, contrasting their present existence with their experiences on the pent up acres of baked Turkish soil.

General Birdwood,, who incessantly moves about, gives the impression that he really knows all the men individually. ANZAC DAY IN FRANCE. INSPECTION BY THE COMMANDER. Wellington, .May 13. Mr. Ross' report goes on to say:— "Anzac Day" (April 25) passed quietly in France. The General Commanding the army inspected the. various Australian and New Zealand units, and in a manly speech, greatly appreciated by the troops, stated that General Birdwood's name would forever be associated with the glories of Anzac, and he felt sure that the glories of the past would be repeated in their new sphere. In concluding, lie dwelt upon the necessity for discipline, stating that the best-dis-ciplined troops had always proved to be most successful.

"Beautiful weather has now followed upon a long spell of cold and wet, and the Australians and New Zealanders in the trenches and in the reserve are fit and in good health. The line at present is quiet, except for some shelling in rear of the trenches. There is little rifle lire, the sniping on both sides being so good that heads are kept down. In one place the German front line is less than a hundred yards away. The trenches, which were rat-infested and wet, are being gradually improved. The colonials are wearing steel helmets, which are replacing the big felt hats, and give them an unwonted appearance. At times heavy cannonading can be heard in the distance,

"The men are able daily to witness air duels in which they are greatly interested. The daring exploits of one British airman, who scorns danger and returns to his observation time after time, with dozens of shrapnel shells bursting close about him, has earned their unstinted admiration. One of the first sights we saw on arrival in France was a German Fokker coming down behind the line, and the pilot being marched off between two Tommies with fixed bayonets. A few days later our guns hit a German plane, which fell from a great height, both pilot and observer being killed."

THE ANZAC ARMY. ABOUT 120,000 MEN STRONG. Some months ago official statements were made that the establishment of the Australian and New Zealand forces was to be increased to that of a European army, the Australian Imperial Forces being increased to five divisions and the New Zealand Expeditionary Force to one division. The total strength of the force under this scheme will be 120,000 men, but it was indicated that the new divisions from Australia would not be -completed for some time. The original strength of the Australian and New Zealand Amy Corps as it was organised for the campaign in Turkey was two divisions, under the command of General Sir William Birdwood. The Australian division was under the command of Major-General Bridges, and after his death, of Colonel Legge, and the New Zealand and Australian division under General Sir Alexander Godley, the 4tli Australian Infantry Brigade and the Australian Light Horse being associated with the New Zealand force to complete the divisional establishment. The Main Expeditionary Force from New Zealand, as it is always known, comprised a brigade of mounted rifles, a brigade of infantry, and an additional regiwent of mounted rifles, with other services in proportionate strength. From time to time the strength of the force has been increased, the most notable additions being the Trentham Regiment of Infantry, and, later, two more battalions, completing the New Zealand Rifle Brigade. During the latter portion of last year and the early part of this year the regular reinforcements accumulated at the base in Egypt, and it was decided to raise the establishment of the Army Corps to six! divisions.

Official announcements have been made that the New Zealand division comprises three brigades of infantry—the original brigade, the rifle brigade, and a third brigade formed from the accumulated reinforcements—a brigade of mounted rifles composed of New Zealamlers and the Australian Light Horse, with other services in proportion. The division at last advices was under the command of General Sir Arthor H. Russell, General Godley having, on the promotion of Sir William Birdwood to the command of the British Forces in Gallipoli, been appointed to the command of the Australian and New Zealand Army, The brigade commanders are Brigadier-General E, R. L. Jehnstan, Ist Brigade; Brigadier-Gen-eral W. G. Braithwaite, 2nd (Rifle) Brigade; Brigadier-General H. T. Fulton. 3rd Brigade; and Brigadier-General 53. W. C. 1 Chaytor, Mounted Rifles Brigada.

A VERY PRETTY FIGHT.

COLONIALS BLOOD THEIR STEEL. ON REAL HUNS. IN NO MAN'S LAND. Received May 13, 7.25 p.rft. London, May 12. The Morning Post correspondent at British headquarters says that the Anzaes did not have to wait long to blood their steel on real Germans. They achieved their heart's desire on the night of the 7th, when a Hun reconnoitring party, armed with bombs, tried to-get a glimpse of the trenches. In such cases one of two tilings is usual. Either the men stick to the trenches and suffer casualties from the bombs, or clear out, allowing the enemy to obtain the information desired. THJS WAY OF THE ANZAC. The Anzaes took the middle course, sprang out of the trench and met the bombers on No Man's Land. A very pretty fight followed. The Germans, seeing that their party were hard pressed, sent up supports, and the Australians did likewise, until the Anzaes drove back th« raiders who suffered substantial losses in killed and wounded. The skirmish was a new thing that pleased the Anzac3 immensely. Since the Anzaes landed no time lias been, lost in getting them back to the firing line, and they may take it as a compliment that they have been given one of the most famous sectors on the front, where vigilance and all other soldierly qualities are constantly needed.

MOST USEFUL MEN, The.Anzacs are,one of the most useful contingents that has ever come out owing to their preliminary training in the severest kind of warfare. It is no wonder that such tempered metal was utilised almost immediately, hut they have something yet to learn beFore they become thoroughly adapted to the kind of fighting that is encountered in France. The profusion of heavy artillery and the multitude of deadly trench weapons are more or less a novelty to them. LEARNING FRITZ'S TRICKS. The correspondent continues: Above all the Anzacs are busy learning the Huns' tricks. All of them agree that the Turk is a gentleman, but is unexperienced in. tactics like the more cultured Fritz. As a General said: The Anzac is not naturally a tricky fighter, though trained in the art of war, knowing, like a sportsman, how to take cover., His chief preference is vigorous rough and tumble or a stand-up fight, in the open." EXCELLENT SNIPERS. They possess a high standard of musketry and some excellent snipers. The latter have already done good work, and have inflicted many casualties. The snipers make it a point of honor never to report a hit unless they are absolutely sure. PALATIAL TRENCHES. The Anzacs have made fighting their business, and they work their hardest putting the defences in superfine order. The experience of Gallipoli lias made them fastidious regarding their trenches, and they nave constructed wonderful broad and deep communication trenches in the hillsides, with underground galleries. The trenches are sometimes thirty feet deep, necessitating stairways to reach the firing platforms. Water is too abundant, but the Anzacs' enthusiasm is undamped. They are delighted with their billets, they have real beds and furniture, and even hot baths, of which full use is made.

The horse transport is a welcome change after the mule packs, and recollections of the hard times fit Gallipoli only serve to stimulate tjje Anzacs' hearty enthusiasm.

HAPPY IN LONDON. THEATRES AND FLOWERS. Received May 14, 5.5 p.m. London, May 13. There was a gathering of two thousand Australian and New Zealand troops, ■who arc within the London area, at the AlexandVa theatre, at Mrs. Fiske's invitation. They marched through the crowded streets from Stoke Newingtort to Stamford Hall. The excitement in North London equalled that of Anzac Day. For a mile the streets were lined by people standing six l deeep, and women flung flowers into the charabancs that were conveying the wounded.