Letter from William Babington Dynes to Mr Reeve, Editor of the Sydney Morning Herald, 8 August 1916

France
Aug 8^th 16

My Dear Mr Reeve,.

I know you will be interested to learn
the feeling that prevails in this the beginning of the third year of
War. It appeals to Australia from a special point of
view inasmuch as the beginning of the new period has
found Australians firmly planted on a sector of the British
Front in France as well as operating in the big push
at the Somme. Ofcourse our troops have played their
part well & honourably in other fields of the great struggle
but they have never been happier and more full of fight
than they are today because they are now up against the
Huns. And I feel sure that the people of Australia have
a like mind to the troops in that particular respect.
The splendid progress and magnificent success and the
grand offensive on the British front in conjunction with
our French friends during the past five weeks has aroused
a spirit of wonderful kinship between the people of France
and the troops from all parts of the world- flung
British Empire & for two years France has had the
invader to contend with and much silent suffering has
been endured in their great spirit of determination to
drive out of their lovely France this foes of mankind &
 

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themselves. The past month has shown the silver glimmer
in the cloud and as the great attack becomes more rigorous
and our gains consolidated the horizon is becoming
brighter and the sunshine of the coming victory
is throwing its shaft like rays across the blue skies
of the Allied countries. Amongst the people of France there
is a gleam of satisfaction everywhere. It is not demonstrated
by wild hurrahs and public demonstrations, but is being
accepted calmly & confidently. The German hope of
Verdun has been hopelessly shattered - the French people
never conceded the idea of such a calamity - and it
must be apparent to them. Their greater energies
are now more needed than ever in facing our much
superior troops & guns. And our superiority in
every department for so far has had the effect of
outmoraling the enemy : Well-planned raids produced
that effect. Sir Douglas Haigs proud attack has
kindled into a blazing fire love & respect for the
well tuned performance. One of the most significant
signs of it all is to be found in the fact that British
soldiers salute French officers French soldiers
salute British officers as a token of grand admiration
& esteem. This custom is the result of our timely
battle of Picardy for hitherto it was only occasionally
that saluting was indulged it having been considered
 

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by both armies that such an exactitude of discipline
shd only apply to the army to which the soldier
belonged. And in the grand admiration & respect being
showered on British troops the Anzacs are receiving their
full quota if not a little more. Their free & easy
style confidence a sangfroid have won for them a
name that will long be cherished in France, for the
French people have not been slow in recognising that
they are a type of manhood which makes dashing
troops. A very noticeable feature away from their
world of war is the recognition of their gentlemanly
behaviour of our troops to the women & children
in the towns behind the firing line in which they
are billeted for periods of rest. It is no uncommon
sight to see a hefty Anzac with half a dozen
children clinging to him and as many more
bringing up the rear making their way to a
chocolate shop. And the kiddies know these
big liberal hearted chaps "Bon jour Aus-tra-lia
Bon jour New Zea-land" is their cooee all day
long.
I have just seen Major- The well known professor.
He now holds a most important position in the
British front. as at home he is the idol of the
lads here. They point to him with pride. His
 

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unassuming kind way commands oceans of respect and
admiration. His great earnestness in the cause that he has
at heart manifests itself in his untiring zeal. He is never
idle and is up and at it, early in the morning continuing
right through the day and very often well into the night.
He is looking remarkably well and is a grand example of
spirit and determination. Away from his own countrymen
and amongst others of the Empire's troops he too by his
splendid personality has established himself as a warm
favourite. His well known reputation brings him into contact
will the highest rank in the Field. In fact the worthy &
highly esteemed Professor is Australia's greatest envoy
on the western battle front. And such a representative in
daily intercourse with leaders of the Empire in the field
should create a great impression: an impression that
will last for many a long day. Truly Australia
is fortunate in having such an eminent soldier
of the King. "Thats him. Thats Professor D - He's a
credit to Australia" was the way in which I heard
an Australian private enthusiastically telling a British
Tommy as he sighted him moving along in a motorcar
Everything is going satisfactorily will communicate
with you again first opportunity. Have written
to Mr Fairfax and will do so again later. You will
understand.

Kind regards
yrs sincerely
W B Dynes

PR82/8

G. Reeve, Esq.
S. M. Herald,
Sydney
N.S.W.