A New Zealander was piloting an old F.E. 2B (pusher) 'plane up and down
over the lines, observing for the artillery, when he got caught by
"Richthofen's Circus."
The petrol tank behind the pilot's seat was set on fire and burning oil
poured past him into the observer's cockpit ahead and the clothes of
both men started to sizzle.
They were indeed in a warm situation, their one hope being to dive into
Zillebeke Lake, which the New Zealander noticed below. By the time they
splashed into the water machine and men were in flames; and, moreover,
when they came up the surface surrounding them was aflame with the
burning oil.
Treading water desperately and ridding themselves of their heavy sodden
flying coats, they made a last bid for life by swimming under water,
that flaming water, and at last, half-dead, reached the bank.
There a strong arm gripped the New Zealander by the scruff of the neck
and he was hauled to safety, dimly aware of a hoarse voice complaining
bitterly, "Ours is the best hid battery in this sector, the only
unspotted battery. You _would_ choose just 'ere to land, wouldn't yer,
and give the bloomin' show away?"
Our Cockney battery sergeant-major had, no doubt, never heard of Hobson
or his choice.--_E. H. Orton, 9 High Grove, Welwyn Garden City, Herts._
"Butter-Fingers!"
A Cockney infantryman of the 47th Division was on the fire-step on the
night preceding the attack at Loos. He was huddled up in a ground-sheet
trying to keep cheerful in the drizzle.
Suddenly a British 12-in. shell passed over him, and as he heard its
slow rumble he muttered, "Catch that one, you blighters."
Just then it burst, and with a chuckle he added, "Oh, butter-fingers,
yer dropped it!"--_Henry J. Tuck (late Lt., R.G.A.)._