RAWLINSON'S MARCH TO THE RHINE

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 83, 2 January 1919, Page 4

RAWLINSON'S MARCH TO THE RHINE

: DISCIPLINE AND CHIVALRY IN - HOUR OF VICTOPI". Sir Henry Rawlinsoti's order of . the day to all ranks of the'■ British Fourth Army, which formed part of the army of occupation on the Hnine, states:-— Tho British Army, through over four years of almost continuous and bittor fighting has proved tlist it has lost none of that fighting spirit and dogged determination which has characterised British armies in the past, ,• It has maintained the highest standard of discipline both in advance and retreat. It. has proved that British 'discipline, based on mutual confidence between officers and men, can stand the hard test of' war far. better than Prussian discipline based on fear of punishment. , This is not hll; Hl7 British Army ha 6, during the last four years on forfipi soil, by its-behaviour in billets, by iffl courtesy to women, bj ; its ever-ready help to..the'old and weak,-arid by its kindness to children, earned a reputation in France that 110 army serving in a foreign land torn by the, horrors of war has ever gained before. Till you reach the frontier of Germany you will be.marching through a country that has suffered grievously from the depredations and exactions of a hrutal enemy. Do all that lies in your power by courtesy and consideration to mitigate tiie hardships ,of these poor people'who will welcome you as deliverers and as friends. , I would further ask you when you cross the German frontier to show the world that British "soldiers, unlike those of Germany, do not, wage war against women and children, and agaiiist the old and weak. '. I ask you one and nil to ensure that the fair name of the British' Army, enhanced by your exertions in long years of trial and hardship, .shall be fully maintained dnrin? the less exacting months that lie Oiefore you. I'.ask you to show the world that, as in war, so in peace. British discipline, based on loyalty to our King, respect for authority, care for'the well-being of subordinates, courtesy and 'consideration' for nan-combatants; and a true soldierly bearing; in carrying out whatever duty, we may be called upon to perform.