London at the End of the Century:A Book of Gossip
a Beckett, Arthur William
1900
TOWN V. COUNTRY.
It has often been my lot to be asked by some youngster thirsting for as much military glory as can be obtained at Aldershot or some other spot within the British Islands, My answer has depended on circumstances. If the boy has belonged to a county family I have suggested that he should become a son of the soil. There is no bond of union between neighbours so pleasant as the regimental tie of the local Yeomanry or the Militia. But if the budding Wellington hails from Cockayne let him join one of the London regiments. There are several particularly smart battalions, the Royal Fusiliers, the East Surrey, | |
185 | but for choice, I take the 5th and 7th Rifle Brigade. The last has been immortalised by the late Charles Keene in the pages of . The best of our draughtsmen drew a diminutive Militiaman accosting an adjutant. Said the officer to the private: Returned the private to the officer: And very fine fellows the are, were (and if I may presume on a prophecy), ever will be. And as one regiment is as good as another perhaps, I, in referring to the Militia, may confine my remarks to this distinguished regiment, as I had the honour for many years of serving in its commissioned ranks. |