* * * * The Militiamen's First Week Last Saturday
the first 30,000 Militiamen began their six months' term of service ; and they will reap the benefits of the period in which Mr. Hore-Belisha was multiplying recruiting inducements to volunteers. For several million pounds were spent on improving the accommodation and amenities of British soldiers at a time when army life had to be presented in the most attractive light possible. It is clear that it was money well spent. There seems to be no doubt that the first 30,000 have been agreeably surprised at the conditions of army life. It was perhaps inevitable that Lieutenant-General Sir John Dill should have praised the high quality of the Militiamen. But all observers are agreed that the men were for the most part thoroughly cheerful and contented. Resigned by now to six months' absence from home, they are making the most of what to many must have appeared an unwelcome job. There was some disappoint- ment among the men who were put immediately under canvas, but by all accounts the food is universally good, and quarters like the Boyce barracks near Crookham are obviously a model of decent comfort and efficiency. Unless the theory is accepted that discomfort fortifies a soldier and reasonable accommodation enervates him, nobody can feel anything but satisfaction at the treatment which the first Militiamen have received. By now that theory has become very difficult to hold. Recent wars have consistently taught the very opposite lesson. An army which is well-fed and considerately treated is more efficient than one which has been depressed by bad food and discomfort.
Previous page
