Date: Sat, 1 Nov 2003 18:26:43 EST
To: forum@afrigeneas.com

Mr. Smith:
Well, I think I'll take a pass on commenting on last third of your message. Don't, however, assume this means that I disagree--I just have "no comment"

But on the top part of your posting: good--you clearly know that to understand the men who served as regulars in the Old Army (regardless of race/origin or drinking and other off-duty habits) you have to firmly understand the Old Army. Wellington, who knew a thing a two about soldiers, once called the average British ranker the "scum of the earth" (although I recall he was referring to a certain Irish regiment) but when the guns began to shoot he wanted many more of "this common article." Kipling, as you probably know, had a thing or two to say about rankers- his best line: that single men in barracks do not become plaster saints. The fellow who penned The Reg'lar Army Man--rattlin', battlin', colt or gatlin'--go it right too. Glad you agree.

Tom Phillips