MR. KIPLING AND THE NEW ARMY

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2386, 16 February 1915, Page 6

MR. KIPLING AND THE NEW ARMY

IMPRESSIONS OF THE CANADIANS. Mr. Kipling, in his "New Army" articlo in the "Daily Telegraph" recently, describes the Canadians in training on Salisbury Plain. He says:— They ran inches above all normal standards, not in a few companies or battalions, but through the whole corps, and it was not easy, to pick out foolish or even dull faces among them. Dotails going about their Business through .tho camp's much mud, defaulters on fatigue, orderlies foot and mounted, the •procession of lorry-drivers, companies falling in for inspection, battalions parading, brigades moving off for manoeuvres, batteries clanking in from the ranges—they were all supple, free, and intelligent, and moved with a lift and a drive that made one sing for joy. Only a few months ago that entire collection poured into Valcarteir camp in pink shirts and straw hats desperately afraid they might not be in timo. Since then they have been taught several things. Notably that the more independent tho individual soldier tho more does he need forethought and endless care when he is in bulk. "Because we were all used to looking after ourselves in civil life," said an officcr, "wo used to send parties out without rations.. And the parties used to go, too! And wo expected the boys to look after their own feet. But we're wiser now." v

"They're learning the same thing in the New Army," 1 said. "Company officers have to be taught to be mothers and housekeepers aJid sanitary inspectors. "Where do your men come from?" "Tell mo some placc that they don't come from," said he, and I could not. The men bad rolled up from everywhere between the Arctic Circle and the border, aiid I was told- that those who could not get into the first contingent wore moving heaven and earth, and poli..iicians to get into the second. [ "There's some ase in politics now." .