SNOBBERY BARRED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 July 1940, Page 3

SNOBBERY BARRED

NEW ORDER IN THE B.E.F. MORE DEMOCRATIC AND LESS TRADITIONAL. There are certain differences. I perceive. between this army of, ours and that one which I knew better 20 years ago. states Sir Philip Gibbs. It is more democratic and less traditional. There is not so much spit and polish. The old fire-eaters who were very rude to junior officers and very fierce in their language and demeanour have entirely disappeared. The new type of officer, from General downwards, is extraordinarily polite in a simple, human and friendly way. Discipline seems to me rather more easy-going, though there is no slackness. Men are not afraid of their officers now. There is easy talk between them after the first salute. At first it all seems casual and informal. but one sees that the job gets done all the same, and with more understanding. I should say we are approximating more closely to the French form of discipline, which allows of a comradeship between officers and men who respect each other's intelligence. I happened to be with a French officer who is also a famous literary man —by name of Andre Maurois —and overheard him talking with a young French sergeant, who saluted and then chatted perfectly at ease. "I find this all very trying,” said the sergeant. "You see. I am in civil life a waiter in Paris. Out here I miss my customers and the gaiety of the restaurant. War. mon Capitaine, is as you know very wearisome at times; and at other times it is very frightening. But this time I have not been frightened.”