"TOUCH WOOD" ORDER.

Dunstan Times, Issue 3383, 18 July 1927, Page 8

"TOUCH WOOD" ORDER.

“Odd numbers touch wood, even numb ers touch iron!’’

This order, contained in the 1927 Manual of Cadet Infantry Training is typical of the now and elastic spirit animating British Army Regulations. The "touch wood and iron’’order usually amuses, the manual states, and elscwere. “the business of the- platoon commander, as trainer, is to present to the cadet his daily lesson in an interesting and varied shape. No method of training will he effective unless it possesses two'essentials —(1) Simplicity; (2) interest.” The converse of interest, it is added, is monotony In addition to drill regulations much space is devoted in the manual to physical training and games. Here, in the hints to instructors, one of their common faults is candidly said to be “Talking too much, and before (he exercise has been shown to the class.” For games there arc about 25 pages, with a description of each game in mure nr less military language. Tims: Fox and Geese.—Organisation.—The players (the geese) arc formed up in single rank facing a flank. One player (the Fox) stands about three paces in front of and facing the front cadet. Method of play.—This tersely describes the game so dear to most children, and “Common Faults” are said to he (a) holding the Fox, (b) breaking the chain. "King of the Island” “Storming the Prison,” and "Crows and Cranes,” are other games described in tin’s very human military manual issued by command of the Army Council.