The Observation Post FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1942. Fear

Observation Post, Volume 1, Issue 4, 12 June 1942, Page 2

The Observation Post FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1942. Fear

With news of Japanese activity so near, many of us wonder what our • reactions will be when we are actually in a spot of bother. Some are afraid that they will get the “willies”; .some are hoping that they will get the chance to go in boots and all with no holds barred; some say they are not afraid, never could be i afraid. For the latter everyone can be sorry,/ for they speak from absymal ignorance. NO MAN KNOWS. But, and it is a big but, we do know that we are not the only ones who have been under fire millions of chaps have had the same thoughts and emotions as ourselves; they have lived and sometimes died gloriously. Advice is useless, but a few words of help may not be out of place. In the heat of battle man knows not himself; he reverts to the animal and becomes so rapt up in the job in hand he forgets self. Thank goodness this is so if what we read and hear is correct. Remember in last week’s issue of “The Observation Post the story of the lad who believed the Hun who cried, “Don’t shoot! We like New Zealanders! ’’ That lad fell mortally wounded within a few seconds. We are fighting a filthy enemy—one who sticks at nothing dare we! It is a case of kill or bo killed. We need have no fear following our C.O. He will lead us as a man; he has confidence in us, and we in him. Herein lies the strength of the Regiment, for he has chosen, his officers wisely, not for their family connections or because of their ability to pull wires but because of their ability and manhood. Where our. officers lead the boys will not' be far behind. When all is said and done, the thing most chaps are afraid of is, showing fear. It is a case of being afraid pf fear which is only bravery in disguise. But with the training we have had every man has the abdominal fortitude to do his job faithfully and well. ■ Incidentally this is another reason why we are proud of our Regiment. ~ So to those who are indulging in a spot of premature self -analysis of what we think is of a purely, negative kind—we say “Skip it.” Old William gives us many outstanding sayings suitable .for the occasion. We will give you one; you probably cursed it in schooldays: — “Once more into the breach, dear friends, once more. Or close the wall up with our English dead; In peace there’s nothing so becomes a man, As modest stillness and humility, But when the blast of war blows in our ears. THEN STIFFEN UP THE SINEWS—SUMMON UP THE BLOOD.’’