Just before our big push in August 1918 we were resting in "Tank Wood."
The place was dotted with shell holes, one of which was filled with
rather clean water, evidently from a nearby spring. A board at the edge
of this hole bore the word "MINE," so we gave it a wide berth.
Imagine our surprise when later we saw "Tich," a lad from the Old Kent
Road, bathing in the water. One of our men yelled, "Hi, Tich, carn't
yer read?"
"Yus," replied "Tich," "don't yer fink a bloke can read 'is own
writing?"--_Walter F. Brooks (late R.W. Kent Regt.), 141 Cavendish
Road, Highams Park, E.4._
"Geography" Hour
Just before going over the top a private, wishing to appear as cheerful
as possible, turned to his platoon sergeant and said: "I suppose we
will be making history in a few minutes, sergeant?"
"No," replied the sergeant: "our first objective is about 250 yards
straight to the front. What you have to do is to get from here to there
as quickly as your legs will carry you. We are making geography this
morning, my lad!"--_"Arras," London, S.W.1._