It is surprising with what readiness the Australian adapts himself to whatever conditions prevail.  He possesses plenty of initiative, which is an invaluable asset on active service.  Friendships were quickly formed with the villagers, who were chiefly refugees, and much amusement was caused as the troops sought to make use of the French words which they had endeavoured to learn.  There was scarcely any necessity, however to try to speak French, as most of the people understood sufficient of the English language for ordinary business transactions.  It was only when love-making was resorted to that a knowledge of French became a vital necessity.

There was a great deal to interest the troops in this district, which for a brief period had been occupied by the enemy.  The town was subjected to heavy shell fire almost daily.  Evidences of the enemy’s brief stay and the effects of their ‘frightfulness’ were not lacking.  Since our occupation, the place has been reduced to a heap of ruins by the enemy’s artillery, which appears to have paid special attention to church buildings, for many of them have been totally destroyed.  Almost immediately upon our arrival in this place certain units of the Division occupied the trenches along the Divisional Front, and very soon proved themselves to be just as capable as the more experienced troops which they had relieved.

We were located in and about the town for several months, during which time the Third Division won a name for the efficiency and daring of its raids, and silenced for all time the gibes and criticisms of the more war-worn comrades of the older divisions.  ‘Here’ the Division has comported itself precisely as it did over ‘there.’  In training the men tried to do their duty.  In battle they have done their duty, many of them even unto death.

[Illustration:  When you are perfectly sober, and you imagine you’re not.]

What of the future?  Just the same; but with that courage and confidence born of experience, still greater attainments may be expected.

AUSTRALIANS—­IN VARIOUS MOODS

The Australian soldier is a peculiar mixture; but for pluck in the face of danger, patience in the grip of pain, and initiative in the presence of the unexpected, he holds a unique place amongst men.  He has been subjected to considerable adverse criticism for seeming lack of discipline.  Kind things and other kinds of things have been freely said to his detriment; but if every word were true, he is not to blame.  The Australian soldier, like any other soldier, is but the product of a system, the standard or inefficiency of which it would not be just to hold him responsible for.  The majority frankly admit that soldiering is not in their line.  They would never choose it as a profession; yet the man from ‘Down Under’ has given unmistakable proof that he is as amenable to discipline as any other, and rightly led he, as