The Outpost Vol 1 - The Royal Highland Fusiliers

THE OUTPOST.
55
a pity to leave so good a Company as D. Modesty,
however, forbids, etc. Notable amongst the
transfers were those of Lieuts. Cassels and Kitchen.
These oflicers had earned the respect and confidence
of their commands and the news of their going was
received with regret.
One of the Company's many excellencies which
we did not mention last month, is the total absence
of its men from the defaulters' list. We may get
the hard work but we don't get the hard labour.
In matters unconnected with training the
Company has not distinguished itself, for our stay
in Troon has shown a singular paucity of events
and happenings that testifies to the socially
enervating effects of comfortable billets. In the
realm of sport a few platoon football matches stand
out as our solitary achievement. The advent of the
weekly sports day should prove eflicacious in
counteracting this woeful inertia and it will give
ample opportunity for using up our superfluous
energy I
\Vith the facilities for sport becoming more and
more numerous, it is gratifying to see the Company
taking advantage of them with such zeal. The
weekly programme is studied with interest, and is
responsible in no small measure for the general
desire to keep fit. 15 and 16 Platoons have a couple
of sprightly and well balanced "soccer" teams,
and will take some beating. In this connection we
hear that No. 14 Platoon, having lost count of the
goals scored against them, are arranging a match at
rounders with the local Kindergarten SchooL
E COMPANY.
t t t
BRAVO E! Whatever else may be said of us,
our support of The Outpost is second to none .
On all sides eulogistic remarks were heard regarding
the first issue, and the members of the Company
showed their appreciation of the journalistic effort
in a most tangible manner, so much so, that repeat
orders were the fashion at the far end of the parade
ground. So enthusiastic was the reception given
to the Platoon Sergeants when they appeared on
parade with the first edition, that only the strident
tones of S .. M. Kelly prevented a general rush from
the ranks. The call of duty is, however, very
strong down our way, and the command:
" Battalion! Right dress! " was obeyed with the
usual alacrity. After the rolls had been called,
and "Stand easy" given, those lucky enough to
have copies were bombarded with questions which
were replied to in monosyllabic fashion, what time
the speaker rapidly scanned ~he pages of the Mag.
So much for the first number. Now E, let the
other Companies see what you can do with the
second. Show them that the most encouraging
and appreciative answer to the efforts of the
budding journalists is to overwhelm them with
orders, and make them feel that the recompense is
a fitting one for their labours. Journalists. even
of the amateur brand, are susceptible to a little
flattery, and if all the Companies continue to support
The Outpost as E has done, then there is a prospect
of our Editor suffering from "Inflated Napper."
However, a few hours' company work with the
Brigadier in attendance will soon take down the
"Inflation," as possibly some of C Company's
N.C.O.s will admit. By the way, if you wish to
contribute to the Mag., give your productions to
Sergt. Ferguson or Corpl. Grifflths.
Since the last notes, we have progressed rapidly
in favour, and are now considered such a fine body
of men, that upon occasion we are deputed to lead
I' the Battalion in our route marches to--heaven
knows where. So smart and soldierly is our
I carriage that when passing through Ayr recentlyperhaps,
however, we had better not tell the other
Companies what the onlookers said, it might only
create a feeling of despondency, and it would hardly
be fair to discourage them too much, would it, boys?
\Ve have also experienced the delights (question)
of night work. if lying on damp grass, keeping as
silent as the grave, and trying to imagine that the
notorious Huns are within a c1eek shot, can be
considered work. Is it to be wondered at that a
few of the men were desirous of lighting matches to
see the time, while others were reduced to capture
an inoffensive maiden who was discovered passing
through the outpost lines? The slight diversion
created by these incidents helped to while away an
hour or two. Regarding these manreuvres, we
would like to have an answer to the following
'Vho were the commanders who were captured
because they had forgotten the pass-word? Is it
possible that they are members of A Company, or
did the little bird whisper wrongly?
A question which the Company is especially
interested in is :-Where are the half·mile relay
teams? On a recent \Vednesday afternoon, out of
8 teams competing, four were from E, and one of
these was the recruits. What has become of the
sporting element in the other Companies? In this
particular event No. 19 Platoon always shows up
well, and has finished second on two occasions.
The same platoon is also strong in " soccer" as No.
IS will doubtless admit, Possibly, when the two
teams meet again the lesson which No. 19 then
learned will be turned to advantage.