The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-03-05

orised the British front in the battle
for the coast cities is now much
deeper.
splendid Aeroplanc Service.
My surprise at the excellence OF
the aeroplane service, since the corps
is only three years old, Is not ex-
planned by superior firing. but by
the thoroughness of equipment Of the
mechanical department and the prodi-
gality ofaexpenditure for all the nee
essary ASSISTANTS and resources.
Everything except the actual man
ufacture OF engines is accomplished
at the front. The engines are asse M
bled and the wings are made In diff
ferent shops near the aeroplane base.
The successful "Reminiscences have
become q matter of mechanical care
and organization. The British avia-
tors are proud OF the fact that when
ever they start to chase a German
flyer. whether over their own or over
the enemy's lines the German always
avoids risking his machine In combat.
while the Briton seeks a fight all for
the sport of 1t.
I soldiers Are Healthy.
In the office of the medical corps
there are charts OF sickness which Ia
less than among the troops at home
despite the strain when the men take
their turn In the trenches. This Is
the result of giving them all the
wholesome food they can eat. plenty
Of exercise when they are not in the
trenches, the enforcement of all SAINT
tary regulations and remorsely strict
discipline.
AS Gorgas met the health problems
at the Panama Canal so we have met
and conquered those in this kind of
war" Is what the British medical
officers boast.
Frost bite. which was frequent in
December and January. has been over
come by making the men loosen the
cloth puttees which become wet and
binding. stopping circulation. and by
taking of their boots at intervals.
We change shifts in the trenches
said British brigadier at the front.
I sometimes every forty-eight hours.
| sometimes less. or more frequently.
All depends on keeping the men At"
| Positions Same Since October.
| The general pointed out places where
positions on both sides. despite attacks
aHa ceuntcr-attacks, are the sane ~
they were last October, and there
might ~ well have been an UNDER
standing to rest for the winter AID
start In the spring when the ground
n dried. Though dead from the va
rfouA attacks lie between the trenches,
even close to the parapets, the Ger
mans would not agree to an armis-
tice 10 bury them.
I Much has been heard OF the hatred
which the Germans entertain for the
British, but here at the front I found
no evidence of hate by the British,
! despite their determination to fight
to the finish.
! THE Germans hate us because we
are going to be top dog soon." says
Thomas Atkins.
From the commander In chief down
simple living and the duty OF keeping
we'll are rigidly followed Sir John
French occupies a private house. His
ONCE is in the drawing room. where
| the appointments are undisturbed- He
dimes with his aides In the dining hall,
and the other rooms are used for the
stan Office. Dinner there, one finds.
Is much like dinner at mess in Eng
land. the talk running on other sub
jects than war. and II is hard to re-
alize that the lighting front Is near.
: Sir John. rudy and alert. shows no
signs OF the strain OF the last eight
months.