French Colonial Troops in the War
The World War has stretched its tentacles for men
into the farthest corners of the globe;
in gallant reply to the call for aid
the French Colonies have nobly responded.
Indo-Chine
Native Troops from Indo-China, after tedious days on the transports,
about to disembark at a port in France.
These troops are performing a noble duty in guarding munitions plants
and other points of military importance.
Like a bit of the Orient transplanted is the entrance to a munition plant,
which, by the way, was constructed by their fellow-countrymen
Not passing the buck — only passing the shells
which soon throw their warm compliments to the Boche.
Natural tillers of the soil
— railroad construction is second nature to them.
To their energetic efforts can be attributed
the rapid transportation facilities so helpful at the front.
Just because they're away from home
is no reason why they can't have their out-of-season vegetables.
They have their leisure time, too.
Here are a couple of native games
— the first not unlike "squat-tag" —
while the other stimulating exercise is called the "drunken peg".
For those of high-brow tastes
the native actors in their strange costumes
strive to entertain.
No greater bravery in action or fortitude,
has been shown by any of the Allied forces
than that of the Senegalese.
Under the leadership of Gen. Mangin they have performed magnificently.
Intensive training soon develops these Senegalese into excellent soldiers,
bayonet duels and throwing hand grenades are daily practiced.
Equally quick to work or fight
— extra speed is put on when the bugle sounds for "chow".
All work and no play.
Native dances, to the sound of the tom-tom and pipes
and wrestling are the principal forms of amusement
during the spare time.
Waiting at the railroad station
for the trains to carry them on their way.
Once at the front actual war practices become a reality:
staking out wire entanglements
and the quick use of the gas masks
are only part of a day's work.
[End of Recording]