THE GIRLS IN KHAKI

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 256, 30 October 1939, Page 3

THE GIRLS IN KHAKI

ARRIVAL IN FRANCE By special permission of the French High Command 1 have toured the region in France where British troops now are—the area that the French now call "the zone of the English,” writes Walter G. Farr to the Daily Mail. For 12 hours I watched the framework of the British Expeditionary Force taking shape. This normally quiet French town from which I am sending my despatch is full ol activity. Its streets are packed with British troops. British planes circle ovlrheac. | Long columns of British motorised units are moving along the country lanes. Spruce and Efficient The first contingents of British women's auxiliary units are here, too. looking spruce and efficient in then well-cut uniforms. Already ou> Women's Army chiefs have completed plans for establishing bases for the duration. Here they are walking down the main street of the town doing wha women always do—war or no warenjoying an afternoon's shopping. This tall woman, with a grave lace and short hair, is commandant of one of our important auxiliaries. In one hand she carries some cakes she has bought for tea. In the other, three large packets of French shampoo. "Tommies" and French soldier, fraternise in the street. Not a word passes between them, as neither : speaks the other's language. They ! talk with their hands. Marching into the town come squads of “Tommies." .Lorryloads ol I stores from England—bully beef, ’ cheese, onions and the rest—come pouring into the camps. At that big hotel you see faces of "Tommies” at practically every window. It has been requisitioned for use as one of the English military centres. “All English drinks and bacon and eggs sold here,” says the sign at the next-door cale. The Union Jack and the Tricolour float side by side over the building. As we drive away from Lhe town the guard stops us, and with a clatter and roar a column of British motorised units flashes by. We have just time to read the phrase chalked on one of the lorries, "Let's get at 'em now." Farther along—l must not. say how far- we come to an airport. There spread across the flying ground, are ; British planes. This cheerful army is massing many i times faster than in 1914. It prepares for action confident of ultimate victory.