SERGEANT BASSET
Lance Corporal Ashton then said he would obey my order, and the prisoner proceeded to the guard room, sir.

THE COLONEL
Thank you, Sergeant Major.
(looking at Philip)
Well, what have you got to say for yourself?

PHILIP ASHTON
The sergeant major was picking on Private Zhelinovsky.

COLONEL
Is his account of the incident correct?

PHILIP
No, sir.

COLONEL
Well, speak up, then. That's what you're here for.

PHILIP
He was picking on Private Zhelinovsky. I told CSM Basset so. He was provoking a man who was in a disturbed condition.

COLONEL
We are not discussing that case.

PHILIP
I am making a complaint on Zhelinovsky's behalf, as his NCO, sir.

COLONEL
No, Corporal. You are up for a charge yourself. Don't come the barrack-room lawyer. Well, have you nothing to say in your own behalf?

PHILIP
Not if I am forbidden to make a lawful complaint.

COLONEL
Your duty was to obey orders. You could have made your complaint later in the proper manner. I listened to you last time you came.

PHILIP
Yes, sir.

COLONEL
You know, you're lucky not to be charged with incitement to mutiny.

PHILIP
No, sir. I ordered the men to stand to attention and remain silent.
(to Sergeant Basset)
Did I do so?

BASSET
In a highly insolent manner, sir.

COLONEL
Did you countermand the CSM's order to a soldier to fetch the guard?

PHILIP
Only because there was no need for them, sir.

COLONEL
Then you're guilty of insubordination. Do you deny using insulting language?

PHILIP
I do, sir. I only protested against spit-and-polish when we should be training for desert warfare.

COLONEL
That'll do! You're not yet in command of the army. However, you did prevent this man from attacking the sergeant major.

PHILIP
He made a convulsive movement. Perhaps no attack was...

COLONEL
That is the biggest point in your favour.
(frowning, with a sigh)
"Superannuated blimps"...that was meant for me, too, I suppose. Well...?

(Philip does not respond.)

COLONEL
Corporal, in the last war, ninety of us survived out of a thousand men in an attack. After we'd slept, we polished our brasses, blanket our webbing, and paraded for drill. You wouldn't understand that. Well, I shall take into account your previous good conduct. I shall also assume, in spite of your silence, that you intervened to protect a superior. However, you cannot be trusted to maintain discipline. You're reduced to the ranks.

 

(from "A Lesson in War" by Alexander Baron)