StR,—The correspondence on "Officers and Privates" recalls to my mind
a story told me by an old friend and business colleague who died some years ago and who, in his youth, was in the Artists Rifles.
They were in camp, I think in the neighbourhood of Aldershot, and several of the rank and file were enjoying re- freshment in a private room in a local hotel. Amongst them was Brandon Thomas, famous as the author of Charley's Aunt. A General entered, hoping to find the room dis- engaged, and drew the attention of the Volunteers (as they were then called) to the fact that private soldiers were not supposed to use the room in question. Brandon Thomas, rising to the occasion in characteristic fashion, pointed out the wording on the door "Private," adding that the " General " room was on the ground floor.
I recall the story for its own sake and not as a serious contribution to the present discussion, about which I can only say that I, for one, hope that the present spectacle of officers, non-commissioned officers and men enjoying the amenities of the same public restaurants may be uninterrupted.—I am,
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