First out
Sir: In your issue of November 10 Victor Montagu reproaches Mr Heath because " they set standards of lick and spittle as would some regimental sergeant-major."
I am reminded that in the year 1918 when I was an officer-cadet in training, I was summoned to a lecture to be delivered by a former battalion-sergeant-major of the Scots Guards. He gave the impression of being about eight feet high and six feet thick. And he addressed us as follows: "'Gentlemen. I understand that within the next few weeks you expect to be commissioned in His Majesty's Brigade of Guards. I have been asked to address you concerning the duties of any officer in the Brigade. There is only one, that need concern you. It is your business to get out of the trench — first." After which he walked off the platform. But is it not just possible that he had the root of the matter in him? Is it not just possible that what we lack in our politicians today is the urgent need that, come hell or high water, they should be prepared to get out of the trench first?
I have an idea that Victor Montagu. might agree with me.
Val Gielgud Wynchwood, Barcombe, Lewes, Sussex
Previous page
