BRASS HAT’S WAR BOOK UNDER FIRE OF CRITICS

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7201, 26 April 1930, Page 7

BRASS HAT’S WAR BOOK UNDER FIRE OF CRITICS

Harrowing Pictures

"PEOPLE ARE HUMBUGS NOT TO FACE TRUTH’*

SOLDIERS’ SWEETHEARTS.

United Press Association.— By Elcctrl* Telegraph.—-Copyright. Received Friday, 7 p.m. LONDON, April 24.

Brigadier-General Crozicr’s book, named “A Brass Hat in No. Man’a Land,’’ throws more harrowing sidelights on Army life in the field, which critics condemn as slanders on tho men who went to Franco. General Crozier describes the execution of a soldier for cowardice and desertion with enough spirits left beside him to sink a ship. He was unconscious when tied to the stake. A volley was fired, presumably ineffective,' after which a subaltern despatched the man. Reviews also quoto General Crozier saving that free love was inevitable for many celibates of both sexes engaged in war work during 1011-1918.

General Crozier is tho centre of much criticism, particular objection being taken to his references to soldiers’ relations with women. Many women prominent in war work repudiated these entirely. Tho author, in replying, emphasises that his book doc 3 not disparage tha fighters, but attacks the system, which, he maintains, is vicious. “It is impossible to invent fairy tales about how disease hospitals were filled in war timo or how canteens made millions in selling spirits to boys who should have been at school. People are such humbugs not to face tha truth. The critics aro well aware I havo told the truth. “War is a gigantic compromise with tho devil and a Christian country.; ceases to be Christian. Hence, to maintain chaplains is out of place in war.” lan Hay vigorously attacks war books depicting soldiers as boasts, for apart from their untruth, they are distressing to tho relatives of the fallen* “I know from correspondence that thero is great resentment in tho Dominions, particularly in Australia,” ho declares. “Let us end all these, books.”

Similar views held by BrigadierGeneral Critchlcy who disputes the accuracy of tho book. He says: “I have seen court-martial death sentences carried out, but nover anything like tho execution General Crozier describes. I have not heard of a victim being drugged.”