War efforts

Friday, December 28th., Comarques, Thorpe-le-Soken.

What a way to run a war!

Captain Hill told me how after a long period (several weeks) of 'special vigilance' he was sleeping in a blanket on the floor of the gardener's cottage at Thorpe Hall when a despatch rider burst in, just like a stage despatch rider, at 3 a.m. The despatch contained one word which for Hill had no meaning. The rider couldn't tell him anything and only insisted on a signature in receipt, which of course Hill gave. Hill then got up and went to see another O.C. nearby. This O.C. had received the same message, and also had not the least idea what it meant. Other O.C.'s were afterwards found to be in the same case.

Hill asked another O.C. to ring up the staff but he was afraid to do so, so Hill did it himself. He asked the telephone clerk what the message meant. The clerk replied that he knew but he daren't tell. Hill then told him to summon the Brigade Major. The clerk said he positively dare not. Hill insisted and took the responsibility on himself. The Brigade Major came to the phone using terrible language. It then appeared that the incomprehensible word was a code word signifying that the period of vigilance was over. Only no O.C. of unit had been previously informed of the significance of the word. The whole episode with its middle-of-the-night busness, absurd secrecy etc., was thoroughly characteristic. I would have put it down as a tall story had I not experienced similar imbecilities myself.

 

My own war effort is to try to organise a high-class concert at the Haymarket on behalf of the Wounded Allies Relief Committee. I am aiming for some time in February. I have recently written to Max Beerbohm to ask if he will design a cartoonish sort of cover for the programme. He has a great gift for that sort of thing. I think we are doing some good. I hope so.