Under canvas at Rousseauville with 27th Squadron, R.F.C., early
1918--wet season--raining hard--everything wet through and muddy--a
"fed-up" gloomy feeling everywhere.
We were trying to start a 3-ton lorry that was stuck in the mud on the
aerodrome. After we had all had a shot at swinging the starting handle,
the very Cockney driver of the lorry completely exhausted himself in
yet another unsuccessful attempt to start up. Then, leaning against the
radiator and pushing his cap back, he puffed out:
"I dunno! These perishin' lorries are enough to take all the flamin'
romance out of any blinkin' camp!"--_R. S. W. (Flying-Officer, R.A.F.
Reserve), 52 Cavendish Road, N.W.6._
Smile! Smile! SMILE!!
Conversation between two Cockney members of a North Country regiment
whilst proceeding along the Menin road in March 1918 as members of a
wiring party:
1st: I'm fed up with this stunt.
2nd: Same 'ere. 'Tain't 'arf a life, ain't it? No rest, no beer,
blinkin' leave stopped--er, got any fags?
1st: No, mate.
2nd: No fags, no nuffink. It's only us keepin' so ruddy cheerful as
pulls us through.--_V. Marston, 232 Worple Road, Wimbledon, S.W.20._