Life's Stages From Civilian to Soldier

Observation Post, Volume 1, Issue 30, 11 December 1942, Page 10

Life's Stages From Civilian to Soldier

B.C.’S GREETINGS.

LT. M. G. MARTIN.

To ail oincers, n.c.o. ’s and men of 6tn jsattery 1 wish lo convey my nearly tnunns lor me co-operation given me since my appointment as D.v., and in uoing so, wish you an me very best tor a nappy Christmas. in tins article r. wish to Laky your memories bacn, in some cases, tnree years, others eighteen months, or pernaps six months. les! .here you were in civilian life and let us taae an average day, when you were your own boss. 0731) to 0830—Turning over in a nice soft comfortable bed having wanened at your own freewill or perhaps a gentle push or call from a mother, sister ,or wire. A soft voice saying, * • Come on near, time you should be shaving and getting ready for work. ' ’ Oh ! Those were the days. 0730 - -0900 —A nice comfortable breakfast room, warm in winter, and on the table just whatever you may have ordered the day before. You jump up from the table and away you go, probably never giving a thought to dirty dishes left behind, and who would clear the table. Then, of course, we have the few among us who would sleep in so late that breakfast would be out of the question, and after a hurried wash, a fond farewell to the family would run to catch the now forgotten tram or bus. Remember how you used to arrive at work with clean shiny shoes, tailored suits, collars and ties and feeling just the man about town.

0900 - —This period was more or less your own time and if you Wished to have a smoke, cup of tea, do some shopping, ring the girl friend and have a chat, well you just went ahead and pleased yourself—What a free and easy life with practically no responsibility to shoulder and no one to dictate your days programme for you. 1700 - —These numerous hours all yours and free as the wind —What could you and what did you do?

A few spots with your pals. Pictures. Dancing. Tennis, swimming, etc., before dark (and sometimes after). A joy ride in the family ear. You had numerous other ways of spending carefree happy hours and when tired and weary, wind your way home to that comfortable bed to sleep undisturbed until 0700 - 0900 next morning. ARMY LIFE 0600 — of bed with a bump. No chance of a few extra snores then. No soft warm carpets to land on, instead you find your hut mates feet, web, mess gear, etc., and curse him. for not being quite as tidy as yourself. 0615 - 0700..0ut on the gun and vehicle park cleaning and generally taking care of the pieces of equipment which you will use to protect our lovely homes, mothers, sisters, sweethearts, and wives— surely you will do your work thoroughly if you look on it in that light? I 0700 - —Not the comfortable ! warm breakfast room and the previously ordered meal in front of you this time. A good wholesome meal awaits you and every man takes the same food. The meal completed you automatically turn to the job of washing and cleaning your dishes, all ready for the next meal. Back to your hut and get everything ready for the inspection by the 0.0. Floor swept, . blankets folded, boots cleaned and all the necessary jobs required to make your hut O.K. for the eagle eye which will descend at approx. 1030 hours. You have now reached the .stage in life when you are shouldering responsibilities and learning how to care for yourself. - 0815 - 1630—Shiny shoes, tailored suits, collars, etc.,' are now in the dim thoughts of pictures, dancing and all the good old civvy tricks are out of your mind. Off you go under your instructor, the days work is detailed for you and once again you become one of the vital links in a huge chain to preserve all those things which are so dear to all of us. .

NOW A MAN 1830 - 2000— again • under the eagle eye of the instructorlectures, route marches, etc., etc., and when your day has finisher you may be tired and weary but your body is fit and healthy you have obtained knowledge free of charge which will stand you in good stead when you return to ‘civvy’ days. After dismissal a cup of hot tea, a game of cards, listen to the radio in the Y.M. and then you return to your hut. That wooden bed and palliasse filled with straw appeals to you more than the comfortable rest you left behind months ago and you turn in to sleep soundly until that bugle calls, you to another day. You are now a man. Yes, chaps, the difference between being a civilian and soldier is sometimes unbelievable and the manner in which you settle down _ and accustom yourselves to this Army life is a : real credit to you. . I can assure you your efforts are not wasted and all the folks you left behind are proud of you. M. G. MARTIN, Lieut.