WHEN SOLDIERS WALK OUT

Waipa Post, Volume 36, Issue 2149, 26 April 1928, Page 7

WHEN SOLDIERS WALK OUT

"A Military Correspondent'' /of the "Morning Past" writes :--"I understand that no fewer than 70 per cent of Guardsmen have made application to their respective commanding officers for permission to wear plain clothes when 'walking out/ in accordance with the rcent army order. This is surprising when it is borne in mind that the Foot Guards are the only infantry soldiers who wear ceremonial dress when off duty. This revolutionary change in military regulations as to dress will tend to reduce pettty military crimes. There is a long list of things that Guardsman may not do when in uniform. He must not lounge about on the benche's of the park, nor take things easy as a civilian may do. He must 'turn out' as though he were on the parade ground waiting for the searching eyes of his inspecting officer. The military policeman is wellnigh übiquitous and if he finds a but-ton-hole of a tunic without a button the offending owner is likely to be reported. Hence the quite natural desire of the soldier for a little more freedom when off duty. "But the Guardsman does not escape dress regulations entirely. Each regiment finds it necessary to impose *spme uniformity in the matter of clothes. For instance, the bowler and the soft hat may be worn, but the cloth cap is anathema. A clean white collar and tie, too, are indispensable, and there are other minor requirements—all with a view to maintaining the tradition of the Foot Guards. Finally, a suit-case must be purchased, in order that the 'civvies' may be packed up when in barracks,, for it would be a breach of the regulations to have the lounge suit of the civilian sharing the place reserved for the King's uniform. It is estimated that the cost to a soldier who is given permission to wear plain clothes is approximately £lO.