The Outpost Vol 1 - The Royal Highland Fusiliers

160 THE OUTPOST.
Reviews 0/ Books.
The Sergeants' Cyclopcedia. By General
Swein von Hoggenheimer. (Published by the
German War Office, Paris-I.D.T.).
The fact that this work is from the pen of a
well-known General, formerly a sergeant in the
crack "Loot and Lust" Dragoons, whose
atrocities have made him a national hero in the
Beer Gare'ens of the Fatherland, is our sole
reason for noticing it in these columns. We are
afraid some copies of this abominable publication
have fallen into the hands of certain
British sergeants, but we venture to hope none
of them will attempt to put into practice the
drastic discipline described. At the same time,
it is only fair to the nation which has specialised
in militarism, to say that some of the plans
elaborated by the gallant Hun could profitably
be studied by non-coms. of our New Army. "Ve
annex a few quotations from chapter MCXIX.,
" How the sergeant may gain the respect of the
private." "
Never be civil to an inferior-rudeness costs
nothing.
If a private on any occasion offers you an
explanation, do not be afraid to call him
a prevaricator. Probably he, or some
other private, has deceived you on other
occasions.
Report privates as often as possible to your
company commander for punishmentthis
will make the officer think you are
an efficient disciplinarian.
Remember that a private has no soul~-the
latter is only originated after he receives
his first stripe.
Ignore absolutely all privates when off
parade.
Endeavour to address the men in a raucous
tone-the correct tone may be cultivated
by imitating the barking of a dog.
These excerpts will give our readers a general
idea of the nature of the book. We understand
that no part of the profits from the sale
.of this work will be devoted to the Belgian
Relief Fund.
save himself many an extra drill. It is
undoubtedly a vade mecum which should be in
the bureau of every private.
God's Own Battalion. A novel by S. D. R.,
author of Outpost Duty. (The Outpost Office,
Wersley. Il!d.)
\Ve advise our readers to lose no time in
reading this delightful volume. Tbe book will
certainly enhance greatly the reputation of its
brillant and distinguished author. The theme
is a study of the career of Percy Vere de Vere,
the son of a Glasgow millionaire, who, during
the Great War, emigrates to the barren wilds
of Trocn and joins the 17th H.L.I.-whose
unofficial name gives the volume its title. The
story of the hero's rise from a humble private
to be Lance-Commander-in-Chief of the Allied
Armies, provides many thrilling moments; and
the description of his atJaire du coeur WIth the
Fishmonger's Assistant, a Duchess in disguise,
is one of the most charming love passages it has
been our good fortune to read.
Judging from the accurate descriptions vf
squad drill, and other intricate manreuvres, we
should say the author has himself had some
military experience.
This book should be an ideal Bible Clasf,
prize, although its language sometimes errs on
the vigorous side.
M.L.
The Private's Friend. By Lieut. A. Swank.
(Bass & Lager, Ltd., London, 4d.)
We expect a large demand for this most
useful pamphlet, copies of which may be
obtained at WeLsley Camp. The ingenious
author shows clearly how the private can
acquire in one week all the devices and subterfuges
of the old soldier. By studying this
invaluable work, one may avoid parades, turn
up late, neglect equipment, learn the art of
covert insolence, etc., and at the same time
Drawn by L•• Cor~/. Houslon.
A DRASTIC ORDER.
Ofticer~" Have all your Section shot yet?"
Sergeant··-" Yes, Sir ~ "
Ofticer~" Well, you can go and shoot yourself now!"