REALITIES OF WAR

Greymouth Evening Star, 2 March 1920, Page 6

REALITIES OF WAR

BRITISH PROFESSIONAL OFFICERS. CAUSTIC CRITICISMTALES OF BRITISH DISASTERS. LONDON, Feb. 26. _ Philip Gibbs’s new book Hie Realities of War,” lias made a strong impression. It consists largely of caustic criticism of Generals, and bitter revelations of disasters ■which could not be told during the censorship. Mr. Gibbs castigates the regular army officer’s training, which produced specimens with canaries brains and Potsdam manners. Yet they formed a close corporation from which brilliant civilians were kept until towards the end of the war. Mr. Gibbs mentions Generals Hobbs, Monash, and Currie tvs instances of the success of unprofessional soldiers when given a chance. His description of Neuve Chapelle, Loos, Bullecourt, and Ypres make grim reading. The British High Command only learned by costly mis takes, oft repeated for which slaughtered British youths paid the penalty