Friday 10th
September 1915: Our perception that a major offensive is near at hand is
strengthened by the following “secret and urgent” order issued by the General
Officer Commanding 7th Division.
“There have
been a certain number of cases during the last few months of officers who have
failed to do their duty in the face of the enemy. In reporting these cases,
Officers Commanding units have almost invariably asked or recommended that the
officers may be sent home on medical grounds as suffering from nervous
breakdown”.
“It must be
clearly understood that failure to carry out their duty, whether by officers or
men, can only be excused on medical grounds when there is a physical
incapacity. It has been noticed, however, that many officers have been excused
who apparently could walk, run and eat well”.
“Under such
conditions any failure to control their nerves amounts to cowardice, pure and
simple. This fact must be recognised by all Commanding Officers and Medical
Officers. The General Officer Commanding directs that, in future, any officers
who fail in their duty from incapacity to control their nerves, unless
accompanied by physical disability, are invariably to be brought to trial for
cowardice”.
“In some
cases Officers have been sent home on medical grounds who, if they had been
Privates, would most probably have suffered the death penalty”.
“Such a state
of things cannot be allowed to continue, and is most detrimental to discipline
and to the standard of leadership and honour among officers”.
“The contents
of this memorandum are to be communicated as "SECRET" to all
Brigadiers and Commanding Officers”.
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