Column 8

We're going to close all discussion of the strengths/weaknesses of the French Army (C8) with some sage advice from Rosemary Seam of Kempsey, who reminds us of the old adage (and Basil Fawlty):  "Don't mention the war."

Kaye Price of Bathurst hasn't had the pleasure of trying the organic tomato paste or the vegan curry powder (C8) that have been mentioned recently, but she was relieved to read that a packet of French Onion Soup Mix she bought recently was made from 'Responsibly Grown Onions'. "I should hate to think that I was supporting the irresponsible growing of onions."

While food products coming from 'the money tree' (C8) does sound alarming, Richard Hale of Paddington finds the stated origin of most of the food contents of his local supermarket to be far more sinister - some place called "Scratch".

Judy Jones of Thornleigh read the article in Thursday's Herald (21/6, page 8) which stated “the NSW Liberal Party has started suspension proceedings against a wing of the party following an extraordinary brawl outside an Arncliffe chicken shop” and she found it particularly evocative. "'Wing' of the Party? Chicken shop? Did they finish up on the rotisserie?" Thank you so much conjuring up that image of the Liberal Party chook shop brawl for us Judy!

Bringing the saga of General Holmes (C8) to a close Christine Holmes confirms "a regimental number could not be found" during the extensive research her father, B H Travers, undertook for a book he wrote about his grandfather titled William Holmes Secretary and Soldier a First Biography. A reason for the confusion over General Holmes' army service number, or lack thereof, is suggested by Geoff Lewis of Raglan: "General Holmes was a Commissioned Officer in the Militia and in the AIF. Above the rank of 2nd Lieutenant (in those days) no officer had a number." Jeff Kildea of Kensington adds: "During WW1 many soldiers had army service number 1 as there was not a centralised system and numbers were allocated by units and corps. Officers did not have service numbers unless they had been commissioned from the ranks."

Renovation of a shop at the south end of King Street in Newtown/St Peters has uncovered an unusual sign, which Kevin McGeechan of St Peters was kind enough to share with Column 8: "It reads 'Nudown Plumben & Billden Service'. Does anyone remember it? Did the owner have a cold when they ordered the sign?"