Comments from July Digireads

All the Africaans-speaking farmers (Boers) wanted was to be left alone to govern themselves, but the great British Empire would have none of it, so the four horsemen of the Apocalypse galloped into the Transvaal and the Orange Free State.

When the cannons boom and the machine guns rattle do soldiers think of martial songs? Probably not, but as they march in lock step to board ships or planes to face the enemy the bands give forth stirring renditions of military music. The citizenry expects it and such goings-on are in sharp contrast to the broken and maimed soldiers who are fortunate enough to live through the waste of lives and treasure that is an integral part of combat.

War intensifies the political calculations made by politicians, bureaucrats and military commanders. Trying to overcome the inertia of those involved in making the calculation is a Herculean task and one that only the strong willed dare attempt.

Leaving home, especially without the approval of those you hold hear and dear, is a challenge to your resources and psyche. The reason for so doing has to be kept uppermost in your mind to maintain the necessary balance.