MILITARY PARADES.

Evening Star, Issue 24137, 6 March 1942, Page 2

MILITARY PARADES.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—ln discussing; with a returned soldier the reasons actuating the authorities in calling a street parade of forces for the 14th inst., the soldier remarked that a wave of indignation swept over him when he read that such a parade was to bo held—not that he objects to a parade as such, but he considers the time for show and ceremony is well past, and that the troops and other services would be much better employed either in shooting practice or in constructing necessary defence works, The reports of Japanese tactics, as given by members of our High Command, emphasise the simplicity of their methods and their concentration on the task in handno empty show and “ parade ground stuff.’ I consider that in the present emergency the authorities should “ descend from the clouds ” and realise that shooting and tak-

ing cover are two of the most important things for a soldier to learn, and that much of the present formalities should bo dispensed with. Even at Homo this sensible development is becoming increasingly evident. There is no need for a parade for recruiting purposes, since conscription covers us all. . . , X trust that the authorities, whose minds appear to be somewhat preoccupied with the organisation of parades and exhibitions, will resolutely eschew these tendencies and become desperately realistic. —X am, etc.. Anti-parade. March 6.