November 11, 2005

When the barrage lifts


From Paul Fussell's The Great War and Modern Memory, pp. 315-316.


'B. H. Liddell Hart, who was in the 8th Battalion of the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, explains:


"Just before the Somme attack, the officers assembled in the headquarters mess, in a typical Picardy farmhouse. Recent strain between the commanding officer and some of the others led to an embarrassing pause when the senior company commander was called on to propose a toast to the C.O. On a sudden inspiration, he raised his glass and gave the toast with the words: "Gentlemen, when the barrage lifts."


The battalion attacked with some 800 men. Twenty-four hours later its strength was 80 men and four officers.'

Posted by silbey at 12:13 PM

November 01, 2005

Items for 121 Map Quiz, November 3rd.

Mecca
Medina
Straits of Magellan
Portuguese Spice Route
Venice
Caffa
Silk Road
India

Posted by silbey at 01:52 PM