London at the End of the Century:A Book of Gossip
a Beckett, Arthur William
1900
QUITE A LITTLE HOLIDAY FOR OFFICERS AND MEN.
Recently the Regulars have had the manceuvres to themselves. Of course, everything was carefully thought out. They fought their fight with the minimum of chance, and, victorious or defeated, the rival armies knew where to encamp for the night and where to get water. There were no difficulties about supplies, and the commissariat was perfect. During one set of manoeuvres the Prince of Wales, who was out with his cavalry regiment, was taken prisoner by some enterprising privates belonging to the old Constitutional Force. One-and-twenty years ago the Commander of the Blues, considering the day of hostilities to commence immediately after midnight, dashed off in that early moment of the morning and nearly terminated the campaign by taking everyone | |
170 | prisoner. However, I believe he was sent back with a flea in his ear, and informed that he was Warfare was not expected to commence before 8 a.m.! Again, the damage to the crops has been less, and the transport, of course, has been all that can be desired. Even the dipping of the colours is easier and more effective. Of late years the regimental flags have decreased in size, and it is possible to be graceful in dipping them to Royalty, even when the hired charger of the senior Major is restive and inclined to take post in the front rank of A company. No doubt the Autumn Manoeuvres and the Short Service system have had much to do with the creation of that admirable army which has recently gained such distinction in Africa-North and South. |
