Total War Comes To University As Eliot Blacks Out

Complete except for the crash of bombs and the whine of dive-bombers, the University had its first taste of total war last night as twelve entries of Eliot House joined in a practice blackout.

At the ringing of a cowbell, by E. Bernard Fleischaker '42 the lights in the courtyard blinked out, and except for a few isolated rooms, the entries were wrapped in darkness. All was dark 55 seconds after the warning signal was sounded.

Only four entries were scheduled to participate in the trial, but with the air raid signal, the lights in all twelve of the courtyard entries started to go out to the accompaniment of yells from the upper windows.

The raid was complete with its fake casualties and bomb fires. The janitor's office was the scene of great excitement as runners came in from the different entries with news of fires that had broken out. The messengers had been given sealed orders on which the "incidents" had been printed, and at the signal, the orders were opened and proper action was taken.

Complete With Casualties

Four casualites were reported to the main office. They were taken down to the first aid room in the basement of A entry after having been treated as effectively as possible on the spot.

The purpose of the practice raid, which was proclaimed a great success, was to acquaint the runners and first crews with their duties. All messages were carried through the basement as the courtyard was theoretically filled with flying bomb splinters.

Only hitch in the blackout came when a Senior was "hit by an enemy bomb" but was unable to get any first aid. Supposedly, he bled to death on the steps of the janitor's office.