Over the Top With the Third Australian Division | Page 4

hour next

morning.
Opportunity was afforded during the day for having a look round and
cultivating an acquaintance with the district. The country round about
is fairly level, and, despite the fact that it was just behind the lines and
under enemy observation, farming operations and business were carried
on in perfect serenity. A cinema afforded entertainment in the evenings.
The men were cheerful, and accepted the change from the 'sham' to the
real uncomplainingly, and commenced making their billets as
comfortable as circumstances would permit. Stoves were greatly in
demand, but few were available. The law in France is that nothing shall
be removed from a building without permission. Troops were forbidden
to enter houses under any pretence whatever; but very occasionally
men lost their way, and unwittingly (?) wandered into forbidden places,
and when detected by certain officials evinced great surprise on being
found therein. The Town Major on one occasion was walking past a
building, the door of which was ajar, and he observed two men
struggling with a stove half up the stairway. 'What are you doing with
that stove?' he peremptorily asked. 'Putting it back, sir,' was the prompt
reply.
It is surprising with what readiness the Australian adapts himself to
whatever conditions prevail. He possesses plenty of initiative, which is
an invaluable asset on active service. Friendships were quickly formed
with the villagers, who were chiefly refugees, and much amusement
was caused as the troops sought to make use of the French words which
they had endeavoured to learn. There was scarcely any necessity,
however to try to speak French, as most of the people understood
sufficient of the English language for ordinary business transactions. It
was only when love-making was resorted to that a knowledge of French
became a vital necessity.
There was a great deal to interest the troops in this district, which for a
brief period had been occupied by the enemy. The town was subjected
to heavy shell fire almost daily. Evidences of the enemy's brief stay and
the effects of their 'frightfulness' were not lacking. Since our
occupation, the place has been reduced to a heap of ruins by the

enemy's artillery, which appears to have paid special attention to
church buildings, for many of them have been totally destroyed.
Almost immediately upon our arrival in this place certain units of the
Division occupied the trenches along the Divisional Front, and very
soon proved themselves to be just as capable as the more experienced
troops which they had relieved.
We were located in and about the town for several months, during
which time the Third Division won a name for the efficiency and
daring of its raids, and silenced for all time the gibes and criticisms of
the more war-worn comrades of the older divisions. 'Here' the Division
has comported itself precisely as it did over 'there.' In training the men
tried to do their duty. In battle they have done their duty, many of them
even unto death.
[Illustration: When you are perfectly sober, and you imagine you're
not.]
What of the future? Just the same; but with that courage and confidence
born of experience, still greater attainments may be expected.

AUSTRALIANS--IN VARIOUS MOODS
The Australian soldier is a peculiar mixture; but for pluck in the face of
danger, patience in the grip of pain, and initiative in the presence of the
unexpected, he holds a unique place amongst men. He has been
subjected to considerable adverse criticism for seeming lack of
discipline. Kind things and other kinds of things have been freely said
to his detriment; but if every word were true, he is not to blame. The
Australian soldier, like any other soldier, is but the product of a system,
the standard or inefficiency of which it would not be just to hold him
responsible for. The majority frankly admit that soldiering is not in
their line. They would never choose it as a profession; yet the man from
'Down Under' has given unmistakable proof that he is as amenable to
discipline as any other, and rightly led he, as a fighting force, compares
favourably with the best that any nation has produced. His language at

times is not too choice. It is said that on occasions the outburst has been
so hot that the water carts have been consumed in flames. Be that as it
may, his diction in no sense denotes the exact state of his mind or
morals. His contagious cheerfulness has established him a firm
favourite with the French people, whose admiration and affection he
will hold for all time.
An officer belonging to another part of the Empire tells a story against
himself. Arriving in a village late at night, he inquired at a cottage as to
whether a billet could be provided.