Waugh bash
Sir) The ' generation gap' — the ' cultural gap' — class and prac
tically every other division separates me from Auberon Waugh. Only a mutual interest in The Spectator, albeit from opposite poles, provides an occasional link. Though aware of his deprecating style, it is with some appreciation otTlis social handicap that I must protest against the myopia, incideetal to his article 'Snobbery in. War' (August 26).
'His very quotation of his sources
of -! information indicates the limited angle of sight he takes on an experience still shared by the generation he "envies." He is apparently unaware that the majority neither retain the Boy's Own Paper mentality — nor were they inspired by it — that went out in 1921. Nor do they hold the Oh What a Lovely War! attitude. That again is a throw back ' to 1914-18. !The generation which grew up between 1918 and 1938, not only in this country, but all over Europe,
broke shackles that were forged long before Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin and the rest of the politicial exploiters took advantage of the unformulated inspirations incipient in those inter-war years.
If Auberon Waugh could appreciate as I can, the tremendous revolution in social attitudes during the last sixty years, he would also be aware that millions are enjoying " a richer, fuller, more enjoyable life " than ever could have been imagined when Wilson and Heath first saw the light.
In spite of his cautionary remarks (August 19) I offer for your consideration a glimpse of the aspirations of one who came ' within sniffing distance ' of the conflict.
A. H. Bailey 211 Chichester Road, Portsmouth
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