WHY NO RECRUITS?
Sin,—On reading the article, by Brigadier A. R. W. Low, M.P., headed "Recruits for the Army" we feel that we can give at least a few of the reasons for the failure of the campaign. Typical of the majority (when our own war-time units were disbanded), we were drafted to regular units and required to complete our service as "Compulsory Regulars." We all have young brothers or friends "back home" to whom we speak the truth, and the truth does not support the words of Lord Montgomery.
Here is a normal, non-exaggerated day's routine: Reveille 6.30 a.m. and Squadron Roll Call, followed by " tree-felling " or "woodcutting," during which time over one hundred men, shivering and despondent, Watch two of their number make use cf the two Squadron saws. Break- fast (for what it is worth) is at 7.30 a.m., and at 8.30 a.m., with Squadron First Parade, we are introduced to those two screaming figures the Orderly Sergeant and the Sergeant-Major. Next we watch six men standing gloomily round a dilapidated vehicle and polishing it with a petrol and oil mixture. This is called "Maintenance." An A.B.C.A. may follow. This calls our divided attention to the "Squatting Problem "—in which we have not, of course, the slightest interest. Dinner takes place at 12.30 p.m. "Organised recreation" in the afternoon means that the same hundred men are made to charge round after a ball—to the amusement of the German employees, riding around in jeeps and volkswagens.
Add to all this the increase in charges for petty offences and a thousand and one trifling red-tape idiosyncrasies, and we feel you have the answer
to the lack of recruits for the Army today.. . . This is not the outpourings of a young soldier's heart—this is my fifth year of service—nor is it intended to be in the least bit humorous. It is, in fact, the truepicture as seen from the ranks of the Modern British Army.—Yours faithfully,
B.A.O.R.
ARTHUR W. WYLLIE.
Previous page
