Papurau Newydd Cymru

Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru

Cuddio Rhestr Erthyglau

22 erthygl ar y dudalen hon

--BRECONSHIRE WAR ITEMS.

BUILTH WELLS.

LLYSWEN.

[No title]

WAR NOTES.

Newyddion
Dyfynnu
Rhannu

WAR NOTES. THE KAISER'S ACHIEVEMENT. Dr Holland Rose, the eminent reader in i Modern History in the University of Cambridge, has contributed to the current issue of the Spectator a letter in which be enforces the concluston that Germany "bavin" deliberately prepared for this war, decided by July 31 st, (1914) to force on the issue with this country as well as with Russia, France and Belgium." The italics are ased by Dr Rose, and the date is important, as on July 31st Sir Edward Grey made to the German Government the remark- able offer that if Germany would get any reasonable proposal put forward, which made it clear that Germany and Austria were striv- ing to preserve European peace, and that Russia and France would be unreasonable if they rejected it, be would support it at St. Petersburg and Paris and go the length of saying that if Russia and France would not accept it be would have nothing to do yith the consequences." Germany put forward no such proposal, but immediately extinguished the last hope of peace by suppressing the final direct negotiations between Austria and Russia, and launching an ultimatum at Russ:a. AN AMERICAN VIEW. In a newspaper published in one of the smaller towns in the State of Maine, there lately appeared a remarkable letter from a yoang American who enlisted some time ago in one of the Canadian contingents for service in Flanders, and who has since had a considerable experience of the firing line. The writer says When I enlisted I was actuated simply and solely by one desire and that was to see the fun. I didn't have any false ideas about my duty, etc., neither did I worry much as to whether our cause was ju;;t or njoB. It was a war and I wanted to mix into it. I never had any more love for an Englishman than the average American. In fact, I rather looked down on them. But my views have changed." The opinion which this American volunteer has formed, in the light of his experience, of the character of the British soldier is thus expressed —"I've been mixed up with the British soldiers for some time now and I tell you there is not a cleaner fighter nor better gentleman in the world than the average Englishman. They know how to win and they know bow to lose. They never forget they are gentlemen, no matter what they do and they have the courage that knows no ending. They are thought to be snobs, but I admire them. I have seen the snobs out in France and braver men nor truer gentlemen never lived. They share the hardships with the men and never ask them to do what they won't do themselves. The men worship them and will follow them anywhere. I have yet to witness a German officer leading his men in a charge. They follow after. But the British officer always leads his men and so does the French." THE BRITISH OFFICER. The young American cites an instance of which he can speak with especial knowledge :— For an example of the average British officer, let me tell you of my company commander, Lieut. Scott. He was only a boy of 20, and a direct descendant of Sir Walter Scott. He was an only son of one of the proudest families in Scotland. When there was any risky work to be done, he would not shift it off on to a sergeant or corporal, but would ask for volunteers and when he had those he wanted would lead himself. His unflinching devotion to what he considered his duty'and quiet courage in the performance of that du was something beautiful to witness. The best blood of England is being spilled out upon the battle. fields of France and in the Dardanelles, and do you think they would do it, if they didn't con. sider it their solemn duty ? England did not want this war, was not prepared for this war, and would not have been involved if she had not been honorable enough to live up to her agreement to protect Belgium's neutrality. Roosevelt makes no secret of the fact that the United States was a party to the same agree. ment, as was Germany and France. You say it is not my quarrel. I say it is any man's quarrel that's worthy of being called a man. And just as long as I can do anything towards smashing the Germans I am going to do it. I'm not fighting for Great Britain. I am fighting for humanity, and against a system that is worse than the system which Lincoln broke up." FOR HUMANITY." I am fighting for humanity," says this American volunteer, and in a later passage in his letter he shows how his own experience justifies that assertion. One day shortly after we went to France we were billetted in a small town that bad been recovered from the Germans, and a hell of a shambles it was. Across the road was a shack. This was all that remained of a cosy little home. In it on a pile of blankets that our soldiers bad left was a woman with both breasts cut off with a sword. Her baby was buried in the garden. It bad been bayoneted, as had been the father. She had had a daughter thirteen years old. Her body was found three miles away in a terrible con- dition, But no one dared to tell the mother that. A little boy eight years old was found by bis mother's side with both hands cut off at the wrists. His mother had bandaged him as well as she could in her condition. Our Red Cross took charge of them. The woman was stiil living when we moved on. This is only one case of many I have seen. You can't imagine and no doubt you will find it hard to believe. They could give Jack the Ripper poiats that he would have been ashamed to use. I have never regretted enlisting and I am just as keen and a banged sight keener than I ever was. Though I have gone through purgatory already, I am willing to do it again." We commend this recital of facts to the consideration of the individuals and organisations which have made themselves responsible for peace at any price and pro-German resolutions to be proposed at the Trade Union Congress which will assemble at Bristol early next month. AN UNKNOWN NEW ZEALANDER." That those who join either of the King's fighting services at the present time will take their place beside men whose heroism is worthy to tank with that by which out forefathers gave the British flag its proud and noble place on sea and land is now reoognised even by the easily discouraged pessimists who before the war were most disposed to follow the Gef man lead in characterising the British race as degenerate." We know, too, that our kinsmen from the Dominions are upholding the most precious traditions they have inherited by courage and devotion that no troops can sur- pass. An instance of the mettle of the New Zealanders who are facing in Gallipoli obstacles and difficulties which only the highest heroism can overcome has fortunately been preserved as a lasting memorial by a special correspond- ent on the spot, who has narrated the following incident:—" There is a story of an unknown New Zealander which should go down to posterity. The story was told me by the chief scout of the New Zealander, who witnessed the speotaolf. It seems that in the advance one of the men foond himself cut off on a high pro. montory. The Turks were ladvanoing in full force upon him, and the only hope left was for him to surrender. His isolated position, it soon became olear, was due to bis having been wounded and overlooked. THE LAST SIGNAL. The situation of this man was tone which would have overborne any courage and stead. fastness Hut were not steeled to the utmost achievement of which reHolute bravery is capable. How did this stricken and isolated New Zealander act in face of a menace as daurung as any within the possibilities of war could be? The strength of the advancing enemy was unknown to as, and the chief scout A K

BRECON.

Former Chief Joins the Army.

BRYNMAWR.

[No title]

markets GUIDE.

---LLOWES.

--__-_------TREATMENT OF PLANTS…

NICE DISHES.

-------INVALIDED BRECKNOCKS…

Glad to be Quit of Aden.

The Devynoek Sensation. ^

SENNYBRIDGE.

LLANFRYNACH. ^

LLANYEIGAN. j

CRICKHOWELL.

LLANFECHAN.

LLANDDEWI-FACH. 00.