21 OCTOBER 1916, Page 3

Then the tank proceeds to a village with the following

result:— "Party of Huns came to meet us outside the village. Very stout old gentleman in front. Thought it was the Mayor and village big-pots to give us a civil" welcome. Mistaken. They meant to give warm recep- tion, but not as we understood the word. Let fly with machine-guns. They tried silly boarding tactics. We laughed. Our guns answered theirs. Tank Reception Committee dispersed in a cloud of smoke and flame ; no trailing clouds of glory. Fat old gentleman only visible member of deputation. Stood open-mouthed. Purple with rage. Tank bore down. Old gent started to run. Funnier than a sack- race. Old gent flung himself to earth with many signs of surrender."