COMMISSIONS FROM THE RANKS Sta,—I had the misfortune to receive
my education at a public school when the peace ballot, disarmament and the League of Nations were the dominant topics. Consequently 0.T.C.s were the exception rather than the rule. I duly left school with distinctions, and was fortunate enough to have some months abroad before settling down to a business career. It was not long after the outbreak of war that my age group was called up, and I was confidently told in my interview with the Army officer that I should have no trouble in gaining a commission, and it would only be a question of serving in the ranks a couple of weeks. Many months have now gone by, I have completed my infantry training, and have obtained a very good insight into the workings of the Army as seen from the ranks. The prospect of a commission through the ranks, however, so often written about, seems more remote than ever. In fact I do not know of anyone in our battalion who has achieved this distinction during the period I have served. My appli- cation has been in some months but never a word has since been heard from that day to this. I have no friends amongst officers nor have I any influential acquaintances. It seems that because I did not pass on to a University, my knowledge of foreign languages and ability to handle men gained from my business counts for nothing. Admittedly, I am doing my bit, but what consolation is that when you know you can do so much more?—Yours truly, PRIVATE ATIUNS.
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