RETURN OF THE SWORD.

Taihape Daily Times, 4 September 1919, Page 3

RETURN OF THE SWORD.

I see that in future generals and ofiicers of mounted regiments are to wear ‘swords on duty and when attending ofiicial functions, Says ‘ ‘ Clubman” in thc'Pall Mall Gazette. The South African War put an end‘ to the sword as an infantry weapon in battle, for it made the ofiicer so conspicuous that he became an easy target for snipers. It is now reserved as a peace time oz'n.:unent, although it méiy Still be useful in savage warfare. In one regiment——the VVorcesters—ofiieers used to wear their swords at mess. The icustom dated back to the Peniinsulanvhere. the regiment mars taken by surprise one evening during the dinner hour. After that the offi~ cers were ordered to sit down to morals fully armed and equipped, ready to rush on parade at a, niomen-t-‘s notice. But this old custom gradually died out, and all that now .em:ains of it is the wearing of the sword by the officer of the day. ‘He has to keep it or zlm-ing all meals, andis only allowed to remove it in the billiard room.