After the fall of Gaza our battalion, on occupying a Jewish colony in
the coastal sector which had just been evacuated by the Turks, received
a great ovation from the overjoyed inhabitants.
[Illustration: "Mademoiselle from Ah-my-Tears."]
One of our lads, born well within hearing of Bow Bells, was effusively
greeted by a Hebrew lady of uncertain age, who warmly embraced him and
kissed him on each cheek.
Freeing himself, and gesticulating in the approved manner, he turned to
us and said: "Strike me pink! Mademoiselle from Ah-my-tears."--_Edward
Powell, 80 Cavendish Road, Kentish Town, N.W._
"Ally Toot Sweet"
At the latter end of September 1914 the 5th Division was moving
from the Aisne to La Bassée and a halt was made in the region of
Crépy-en-Valois, where a large enemy shell was found (dud).
[Illustration: "Ally toot sweet. If this shell goes orf...."]
A Cockney private was posted to keep souvenir hunters from tampering
with it. When he received his dinner he sat straddle-legged on the
shell, admired by a few French children, whom he proceeded to address
as follows: "Ally! Toot sweet, or you'll get blown to 'ell if this
blinkin' shell goes orf."--_E. P. Ferguson, "Brecon," Fellows Road, S.
Farnborough, Hants._