Machine gunners of the Cheshire Regiment pose for the camera, April 1940
There was little activity on the Western Front for propaganda purposes, so most images from the ‘phoney war’ period are blatant publicity shots. The Newsreel from the time now seems desperately optimistic, given subsequent event. The following very brief episode was released on the 1st April, which may not have been entirely coincidental:
Skoblin has many more contemporary Newsreel videos on YouTube.
Earlier in the war: Jews denied medical services in Poland
Later in the war: The lull before the Storm
An excellent piece of organisational work was now done in building up supplies for the assault. During our advance we had found some of the artillery depots and ammunition dumps, which we had been forced to abandon during the Cunningham offensive in 1941. They were still where we had left them, and were now put to good use.
Old King Cole was hollow cheeked and was beginning to look drudged with weariness. His moustache was droopy and his eyes were red. He had two septic places on his face and, every now and then his right eye twitched uncontrollably. He was unshaven and gaunt. From his dusty boots to his battered hat he was taking on the colour of the desert.
What really worries me is the way my body’s in open revolt. For weeks past I’ve fought the increasing Dog pain, and, in the last few days, its utter lifelessness; but this morning I’ve been vomiting without success in the ruins of a stone house behind my Spitfire, vomiting into my oxygen mask while flying over the harbour, and repeatedly leaving this tent after coming down on the ground again.
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