28 BBC Stuart Mcpherson

Hello, BBC. This is Stuart McPherson reporting from Germany. One has only to spend a few minutes among our advancing troops on the far side of the Rhine to feel the almost frenzied spirit of offense that is running through every single formation.

This morning I went across one of the Rhine bridges, and all along the route I was staggered by the hustle and dash of every single formation, right down from the military police to squadron commanders who were racing tanks across the river and far beyond on the other side.

Up to the time of the Rhine push, it had always been a good idea to slow down when approaching a bridge. But that was the direction that was glaring at you and bold red letters off a snow white signboard.

But no more. Things have changed. I'd hardly put the nose of the car down towards the start of the bridge when an English policeman bellowed, Come on, mate, flat out across that bridge. Halfway across the river, another red cap shouted even louder, Come on, mate, you're holding traffic up. Show a pace. Show a pace.

By the time we reached the far side of the river, we seemed to be flying. And what was so strange, particularly for British policemen, was that the MP and the far side just smiled and waved us on up onto the far bank.

Vehicles reaching the east side of the river were quickly whisked away to their various destinations. It was almost like a big day at Brooklyn's.