Our Live Letter Box

Camp News, Volume 1, Issue 34, 2 August 1940, Page 3

Our Live Letter Box

NOT TO-DAY “Bomber” writes: I see you answer some questions with speed and intelligence ... Answer: Yes, but we’re not feeling speedy or intelligent to-day, see? “New Chum” writes: I’ve taken a bet on. A cobber of mine says that the Blenheim bomber has three engines. I, of course say it has only two. Who wins ? Answer: Nice jammy bets your pal lays. . * ; ’ \ ; None of our military aircraft has three engines, not even the Blenheim, which has two 920 h.p. Bristol Mercury motors. *'* * * WET FEARS “Dopey Dan” writes: What nonsense it . is for people to suggest that mothers fear more for their sons in the wet canteen than in the front line. r - • The rum ration, the wet canteen and the entertainments were the only comforts our trops had in 1914-18, and the mothers then had no silly fears. It’s the bullets, not the tankards, that the mothers worry about. Answer: And is the wet from the inside worse than the wet from the outside ? No. But theress a heck of a lot more of it. * * * * WATCH ’EM “Sniper,” Trentham, writes: “Tracer bullets” are often mentioned in the news bulletins. Can you tell me what they are ? Answer: Did you' say news? The lead core of an ordinary bullet

is replaced by either phosphorus or magnesium composition. Thus they are visible in flight and the chances of igniting the petrol in the other machine are increased. Incendiary tracer bullets were used with success on the Zepps, in the last war. ***** ZIP “Tops,” Trentham, writes: Who invented the zip-fastener, when, and was the inventor an American ? Answer: Giedon Sunbach, a Swede, developed the zipper from the idea of a fellow,called Aronson. He go the idea in 1880, but it was not perfected until 1915. - He made his money by saving other people’s time. " ***** BULLET “C.A.”, Trentham, writes:My pal tells me that a bullet travels at 125 mile an hour. I say 1,900 miles an hour more like it. Answer: Well, a bullet from a .45 Colt automatic leaves the muzzle at 547 m.p.h. Now go on from there. * * * * i ' RING “Souvenir,” Papakura, writes Is the correct way to wear a signet ring so that the only person wearing it can read the initials, or so that other people can do so, too? Answer: We fink oo can. safely keep the ducky ickle secret of your initials all to yourself without the other rude people caring two brass hoots. '