RILEY’S SYMPATHY

War Wit, Volume 1, Issue 7, 1 August 1941, Page 4

RILEY’S SYMPATHY

Undergoing bayonet practice recently, we had a zealous W.O. instructing us who was determined to make us efficient. Assault course was laid out over an old system of trenches constructed by the 1914-18 Diggers, and consisted of numerous dummies distributed in and out of the trenches and in depth. This allowed for six men to charge abreast. Time and time again we charged, running and pointing, jumping, scrambling and pointing again, until we knew every bay and traverse of the network and the dummies hung limply with their straw innards scattered in profusion. A merciless sun brought the sweat from our bodies, and an equally merciless instructor snapped up our every fault and urged us on .to greater efforts. “Not realistic enough!” “Faster!” “Put more vigour into the points!” ' “Come on, Riley, you’re playing too- —!” “Riley” was weakening and became a special mark in consequence. Others among us were feeling the strain, but did not dare show it. ’ . , , “Don’t play with him, Riley,” roared the WO. “He’s got feelings the same’ as you. Go on! Shake him off and get going. Watch that man on your left now. Stick him before he gets you.” The “man on the left” was a standing dummy, awkwardly positioned in a six-foot trench. Almost exhausted, “Riley” staggered on and sprang on to the dummy from above. He missed with his point and went down with the dummy. “Stick him!” came \ the order. “What are you waiting for, man?” “Riley,” reclining ungracefully upon the figure, gave vent to a hysterical giggle. “It —dawned—on me, sir,” he. panted, “he might have a wife and kids like myself.”