War Games

My sense that the English used to take nothing seriously and, moreover, considered war to be a game, has just been reinforced. And poignantly so on the eve of Remembrance Sunday. I was reading part of the demob letter received by a soldier in the Royal Engineers who fought at both the Somme and Ypres and some of whose effects are being sold on eBay.

"Now that the time has come for you to leave the Army and go back to civil life, I wish, both personally and officially, to thank you for the service which you have given.

"You take away with you the priceless knowledge that you have played a man's part in this great War for freedom and fair play. You will take away with you also the remembrances of your comrades, your pride in your Regiment, and your love for your country.

"You have played the game, go on playing it, and all will be well with the great Empire which you have helped to save.

"I wish you every prosperity and happiness."