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[Stoppage Drill]

I have a quotation in my head, and I can't remember whether I have read it somewhere or whether it might have been said to me by one of the many veterans of the Great War that I had the honour of knowing and socialising with in years gone by.

It went something like, "In view of the effects of great fear on the human physiology, it is unwise to follow a kilted highlander too closely up the steps of a dugout ."

My best recollection is that it was said to me at the 53rd Annual Reunion Dinner of the London Welsh Bn of the RWF, which I recall as being held in rooms on Northumberland Avenue. The hospitality to a young guest was such that  I remember little else.


Put me out of my misery.

[Tom Morgan]

I'm sure it comes from Her Privates We, aka The Middle Parts of Fortune by Frederic Manning, quite near the beginning.

Tom

[JulesW]

Tom's correct, chapter one.



They accepted his view of the matter quietly, they were willing
enough; but, like all tired men in similar conditions, they were
glad to have their action determined for them; so they thanked
him and wished him goodnight, if not cheerfully, at least with the
air of being reasonable men, who appreciated his kindliness.
Bourne made as though to follow them out, but Mr Clinton stopped
him.

"Wait a minute, Bourne, and we shall go together," he said as the
last Scotsman groped his way up the steeply pitched stairs.  "It
is indecent to follow a kilted Highlander too closely out of a
dugout.  Besides I left something here."

He looked about him, went straight to the blanket, and took up the
water bottle.  It must have seemed lighter than he expected, for he
shook it a little suspiciously before uncorking it.  He took a
long steady drink and paused.