THE CHINA MAIL, AUGUST 12, 1939.
MILITIAMEN SETTLE DOWN TO LIFE
Aldershot, July 17.
meal in the up-to-date kitchens of the barracks. Every man to whom I spoke expressed his satisfaction with the food.
In
the spacious, well-light- each man had al- ed dormitories
In barracks and camps to-day all over the country 84,000 militiamen, who had reported for their six months' training yesterday, were settling down to Army life writes a "Daily Telegraph" correspondent.ready been taught to fold his mat- Reports from all quarters state tress and his three blankets neatly that their first impressions were and to sweep the floor round his very favourable.
bed. By each pair of beds stood a In the Aldershot Command I saw large lock-up wardrobe, divided militiamen in two contrasting .de-into two sections for storing the pots. In the now Boyce barracks, multiple equipment with which the near Crookham, men who have been militiamen had already been pro- drafted into the Royal Army Ser-.vided. vice Corps training battalions there
:
Each man had two soaps for were cujoying military life `under washing and shaving, tooth and the most pleasant modern auspices. shaving brushes, polishes and At Arborfield, near Wokingham, | polishers for buttons and boots, on the other hand, those sent to the as well as his uniform caps, under- Fifth and Sixth Anti-Aircraft De- clothing, two pairs of stout boots pot were getting a first experience and gymnasium shoes. of Army life in camp without the luxurious amenities which charac- terise that of their comrades at the Boyce barracks.
But whether in barracks or under canvas, I found these young men generally contented, keen to learn their new duties, and prepared to put up with the changed conditions in a spirit of cheerful patriotism,
NEW BATTLE DRESS As one of them, a „draughtsman from the Midlands, put it: "I didn't like the idea at first, I admit, but I don't really mind now I am here. We have to have a bigger Army, if only to be able to put up a bigger show if the worst happens.”
Lt. Gen. Sir John Dill, General Officer Commanding in Chief, Aldershot, visited several of the de- pots in his Command to-day. He questioned many of the men about their former life and asked how they were getting on..
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The corporal in charge of one of very the squads said: "They're keen and eager to start their duties. They don't like hanging about.
"Some of them had hardly arrived before they arranged a football match, although they had to play in their 'gym shoes because some of the boots had not yet arrived. They're a good lot of follows-I only need to give them an order once and they remember it.”
SIX MEN TO A TENT
The same general cheerfulness was strongly in evidence at the anti-aircraft depots, although there was a little grousing, especially by men who are not used to camp life. Six men are allotted to each tent. but I heard no complaint about this..
Of the food supply there wag`but one opinion. It was good and it was plentiful. One man, however, a textile worker from Nottingham, said he thought supper should be later than 7 o'clock, "We haven't digested our tea by that time," he
He said to me afterwards: "They are a fine type, and I think they are typical of the young Britons of to-added, day Military training will do them The men at the Sixth Anti-Air- no harm, even if they have to live | craft depot all come from the Mid- under canvas.
There are about 600 militiamen in the Boyce barracks, and very smart they looked in their new bat- tle dress and forage caps. I saw them at dinner, which was of a generous nature.
lands and Wales and number more than 700. Whatever their rank in civil life, they all appeared to be comradely.
Outside in the warm sunshine a. group of men were kicking a foot- ball about, Sports and games will their The menu consisted of meat pud be a prominent feature in ding, with peas, new potatoes and military life and will vary the nor- gravy, followed by milk rice pud-mal routine of drill and marching.. ding. There was a second helping EXCUSED CHURCH PARADE for everyone who wanted it.
SATISFACTION WITH FOOD. Army chefs had prepared the
DIFFICULT YEARS FOR CHILDREN
It's when children start to shoot up suddenly that they need your special attention. Children who are growing fast often tire do casily, get pale, listless and, poorly at school.
The trouble in that children. have a double job of work to do. They use up energy in work and play and at the same time, they are growing!
Doctors and purses have re- commended Horlicks for years for children who neel this extra energy: Horlicks moreover builds sturdy bone and muscle. You'll find that pal
ppeare, and schoo
Waar "And the
gain Get Ho
childr energ
Several incidents had marked the arrival of militiamen yesterday One youth carried a small wicker basket in which was a carrier pigeon. On reaching the camp he released the bird, which flew back home bearing a message to his mother that he had arrived-safely.
The militiamen were excused compulsory church parade to-day, but watched their Regular com- the garrison' rades march to churches.
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To-morrow there will be medical and dental inspections and rudf- mentary drill, such as saluting and standing to attention. By Wednes day or Thursday, when the depots have settled down, it is hoped that the more general training will be begun.
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