AT THE "BACK" OF THE "FRONT."
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An Amusing Account of How Our Friends in the A.S.C., MN., Frequently "Make Their Own Fun."
Although arduous duties fall to the lot of the A.S.C., Mechanical Transport, they do not take them at all sadly, and when the occasion arrives for a diversion from the ordinary routine they welcome it with equal zest.
A division " somewhere. in France," which hails from the Midlands and the North, possesses a very fine concert party, which, in addition to its ordinary duties, visits the units comprising the division periodically and gives them a eneering " show." Such an occasion happened a few days ago, and, needless to add, advantage was taken of it to the full.
Imagine, if you can, a 12-acre field bathed in glorious sunshine, within sound of artillery fire, lined on one side by freshly-cleaned lorries containing the division's supplies for the following day, the other three. sides being occupied by bivouacs of all shapes and sizes, and made from all sorts of material, oat and bread sacks predominating. Blankets and ground sheets are lying about in orderly confusion, and to the left volumes smoke can be seen rising from " d ix ieland."
Just look to your right for a moment and you will see a " semi-detached villa" made of tree trunks and a worn tarpaulin. That is the abode of our pet aversion, the "sari-major," at once the " mostfeared " man of all units. In the centre of the field, and lying well back from the road, stands a marquee, a priceless possession, which is now far from its original shape. Side ropes have been carried to the ends, causing the canvas to fall flat against the poles, and resting on this are three French national flags, placed fanwise, loaned from a local " Eglise," Beneath this a stage has been erected, on which seven chairs have been placed. Two end ropes have been Pegged out at an angle, and,-behold, we have an improvised theatre.
All is now ready to receive the honoured guests who are to entertain us and for a start, but the party has not arrived. We are excited, as it has passed 1he arranged starting time. The half of the marquee which retained its proper shape had been made into a passable dressing room, which is a necessity, considering our guests will appear in character. Suddenly all eyes are turned to a lorry coming down the road, and speculation is rife as to whether it is the one we are waiting for. We are not left long in doubt, for the familiar sign of the "L.G.0.0." is seen and its number verified. Down the road she "chugs," looking as proud as when she carried her bus body down the Strand. The party is driven into the field, making a detour to avoid as many trenches and ditches as possible, and after careful manteuvring she is brought "head on " at the side of the theatre.
A glad welcome is given to them, and a party of men is "told off" to remove the piano from the lorry. The piano, which looks a little the worse for wear, hating once been hit by shrapnel, is a souvenir from Ypres ; it is quickly placed in position at the side of the stage. All is now in readiness to make a start, and soon afterwards the tent flap is raised and out troop our guests in orthodox pierrot costume. The piano tinkles out a well-known march, which sets our feet going, and then we commence in earnest. The opening item is a real success, "All the girls are lovely by the seaside" being given in fine style. This was followed by a humorous dialogue, "The sporting guide," rendered by our own inimitable comedian, " o compris." These were followed by other sterling items, including " Great Scott," a skit on our present life, and "Old Mother Hubbard," another fine item by the aforementioned comedian. Altogether the entertainment was a great success, and the " Follies " will have to look to 'their laurels
when "Bill has been bilked."
The "show" was given before a large attendance, including a considerable number of officers. The W.O. invited the artistes to tea, after the performance, and they were given a right royal time. Such dainties as salmon (tinned), jellies, apricots (tinned), etc., had been unearthed from somewhere, and, marvellous to relate, there was a. white tablecloth on the table. We derived great satisfaction from their looks of astonishment and their subsequent enjoyment of the edibles.
Shortly afterwards the "chug" of the old L.G.O.C. was again heard, and thus we parted after good wishes had been exchanged, and the close of the enjoyable afternoon came with enthusiastic requests for another and early visit.
" QUARTER BLOKE."