ESPRIT DE CORPS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6132, 19 March 1898, Page 2

ESPRIT DE CORPS.

(United Service Gazette). If there is one point above all others that indicates the good soldier, it is not, as some might suppose, the smartness of his appearance, or the number of his goodconduct badges, or his alacrity at drill — these are but outward signß, and might fail in time of trial — but it is the feeling that prompts him to take a pride in himself, that finds expression in all he does, his love for his regiment, his esprit de carps. Esprit de corps, as its name implies, is the very soul of a Teghnent; animated by it the body lives, and each niGniber is nerved to play his part ; without it there is no life, no zeal, no energy, only the dull plodding of a machine. Moved by this spirit, on many a hard fought field our predecessors have given their life blood to uphold the honour of their corps. Wo are ready, when our time comes, to follow in their stepß. Yet would it be but a poor spirit if it woke only for war, and slumbered in peace time ! No, it must be ever present, urging us to do oar utmost at all times aud places to uphold the credit of the regiment. Each individual can do so much good for his corps, and so much harm; but he can never go far wrong if, reuienil>ering that one defective pin may put a whole machine out of gear, he strives to perform his ir dividual part; as if the whole structure, the reputation of the regiment, depended on his single conduct. True esprit de corps displays itself by efficiency, smartness and good conduct; by self-sacriSce for tho general good ; by the quiet, unselfish exertions of all ranks ; "by each man performing with conscientious strictness his own proper duty, instead of descanting with misleading plausibility and unprofitable eloquence on the duties of othsr men."