If We Return. By G. B. Manwaring. (J. Lane. 3s.
6d. net.)— These " letters of a soldier of Kitchener's Army," written last year, are interesting not so much for the vivid little notes on. French he as for the author's thoughts on modern war, religion, the new social relations formed within the Army, and other subjects on which the fighting man's opinion is valuable. Mr. Manwaring regarded it as an intellectual privilege to be in the Army in France—" a broaden- ing of outlook for those who care to use 'it." He remarked on the " extraordinary freemasonry of districts," and declared that " the greatest brotherhood I have found is that of Lancashire," adding that in a certain Lancashire regiment " any private may speak to any officer of any of its battalions and yet with it all there's no lack of discipline." "A new spirit of unselfishness has entered the race. . . The message from Mars, Halves, partner,' has become the general spirit ; and yet some say that there is no finer side to war ! " Mr. Manwaring commented on " the demoralizing effects of dug-outs," for a conscious effort is needed to leave them. His assertion that " a vivid imagination is here a handicap," and that " at last the finished and finite clod ' has come into his own," is more disputable. Imagination and initiative usually go together, and initiative counts as high as ever in trench lighting.
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