August 1916, Delville Wood. We had been brought specially from rest
camp to take the remainder of the wood, which was being stoutly
contested by the Germans and was holding up our advance. The usual
barrage, and over we went, and were met by the Germans standing on top
of their trenches. A fierce bombing fight began. The scrap lasted a
long time, but at last we charged and captured the trench.
[Illustration: "Yus, yer needn't stare--I'm real."]
One of our men, quite a small Cockney, captured a German about twice
his own size. The German was so surprised at being captured by a person
so insignificant looking that he stood and stared. Our Cockney, seeing
his amazement, said: "Yus, yer needn't stare, I'm real, and wot's more,
I got a good mind ter punch yer under the blinkin' ear fer spoiling me
rest!"--_F. M. Fellows, M.M. (late Corporal, 6th Batt. D.C.L.I), 33
Dunlace Road, Clapton, E.5._