Post by rsm2ndbtnlf on Mar 13, 2009 19:02:06 GMT -8
Hello Gentlemen,
This morning I received a superb period publication (which I had purchased through auction) entitled: The Young Officers Guide To knowledge. Written in 1917 by 'A Senior Major' of the Warwickshire (pronounced as Worickshire) Regiment, it is aimed at giving the new junior officer a helping hand in carrying out his tasks withing his alloted battalion.
Publications of this type, although a very interesting insight into the life of the British Army of WW1, are normally so osteer in their writing to be totally boring and longwinded. However, contrary to the norm, the author of this publication certainly has a way with words. Combined with his obvious sence of humour (not normally found in Officers of his rank or higher), this publication is quite entertaing.
Allow me to share this humour with you, so please read the following passage...
The Quartermaster's Store.
This is a mysterious and awesome place where clothing, boots and ammunition come from. How it gets there is a mystery, but it is all done by odd bits of paper, called "vouchers," "indent," and sometimes "requisitions."
When a fresh lot of clothing, or boots has arrived (dropped from nowhere, apparently), a board of officers is appointed, called a "Board of Survey," who give the clothing a kingd of official regimental baptism, and write its name and quantity in the Quartermaster's Register.
The Quartermaster presides over the rites and mysteries of this hollowed place. The Quartermaster is never wrong. If you should be so unwise as to dispute any question with the Quartermaster, such as why Private Binks boots are a different pattern to Private Bunks', the Quartermaster will convict you out of the sacred books of the law, the Clothing Regulations or the Equipment Regulations, which will probably say that.. "Boots, ammunition, hob-nailed, armour-plated, web-footed" are issued to men of the Special Reserve, whilst.. "Boots, ammunition, hob-nailed, armour-plated, spring-heeled" are issued to the Regulars. Adjectives are never placed in their right order in the Quartermaster's Stores. It is part of the abracadabra of this sacred institution. One fine summer's day becomes.. "Day, summer's, fine, 1."
It is no use trying to understand all the bits of paper or the semi-audible incantations that you will sometimes overhear when sent in to check (save the mark!) one of the sacred lists of articles with the things themselves. Even when you rise to C.O. you will realize that you are but a child in the hands of one of the preists of this uncanny religion. Half your morning will be taken up in signing incomprehensible missives to the high preist of the religion, who signs himself C.O.O. in order to soothe your apprehensions, well knowing that he is invincible and unapproachable.
* * * * * * * * *
Wasn't that fun!!! ;D ;D
;D A look into the lighter side of soldiering!
Seph ;D ;D
This morning I received a superb period publication (which I had purchased through auction) entitled: The Young Officers Guide To knowledge. Written in 1917 by 'A Senior Major' of the Warwickshire (pronounced as Worickshire) Regiment, it is aimed at giving the new junior officer a helping hand in carrying out his tasks withing his alloted battalion.
Publications of this type, although a very interesting insight into the life of the British Army of WW1, are normally so osteer in their writing to be totally boring and longwinded. However, contrary to the norm, the author of this publication certainly has a way with words. Combined with his obvious sence of humour (not normally found in Officers of his rank or higher), this publication is quite entertaing.
Allow me to share this humour with you, so please read the following passage...
The Quartermaster's Store.
This is a mysterious and awesome place where clothing, boots and ammunition come from. How it gets there is a mystery, but it is all done by odd bits of paper, called "vouchers," "indent," and sometimes "requisitions."
When a fresh lot of clothing, or boots has arrived (dropped from nowhere, apparently), a board of officers is appointed, called a "Board of Survey," who give the clothing a kingd of official regimental baptism, and write its name and quantity in the Quartermaster's Register.
The Quartermaster presides over the rites and mysteries of this hollowed place. The Quartermaster is never wrong. If you should be so unwise as to dispute any question with the Quartermaster, such as why Private Binks boots are a different pattern to Private Bunks', the Quartermaster will convict you out of the sacred books of the law, the Clothing Regulations or the Equipment Regulations, which will probably say that.. "Boots, ammunition, hob-nailed, armour-plated, web-footed" are issued to men of the Special Reserve, whilst.. "Boots, ammunition, hob-nailed, armour-plated, spring-heeled" are issued to the Regulars. Adjectives are never placed in their right order in the Quartermaster's Stores. It is part of the abracadabra of this sacred institution. One fine summer's day becomes.. "Day, summer's, fine, 1."
It is no use trying to understand all the bits of paper or the semi-audible incantations that you will sometimes overhear when sent in to check (save the mark!) one of the sacred lists of articles with the things themselves. Even when you rise to C.O. you will realize that you are but a child in the hands of one of the preists of this uncanny religion. Half your morning will be taken up in signing incomprehensible missives to the high preist of the religion, who signs himself C.O.O. in order to soothe your apprehensions, well knowing that he is invincible and unapproachable.
* * * * * * * * *
Wasn't that fun!!! ;D ;D
;D A look into the lighter side of soldiering!Seph ;D
;D 
