# IX: In the Army explained — Memoirs of a Foxhunting Man > Chapter companion for Memoirs of a Foxhunting Man by Siegfried Sassoon. ## What happens George Sherston reflects on his early weeks as a trooper in the Yeomanry, finding the experience both idyllic and physically demanding. He receives a letter offering a commission in the Remount Service but rejects it, feeling he must serve actively. After an injury, he conspires with Captain Huxtable to obtain a Special Reserve commission in the Flintshire Fusiliers, severing ties with his past. The chapter contrasts the makeshift world of Clitherland Camp, where senior officers are rooted in peacetime habits, with the grim reality of war, and introduces the failed officer G. Vivian-Simpson, whose pretensions collapse under scrutiny. ## Themes in this chapter ### Coming of Age and Identity George transitions from a civilian to a soldier, grappling with incompetence and a desire for heroism, while seeking a fresh start away from his past. ### Nostalgia and the Loss of a World George mourns the peaceful past symbolized by Cockbird and his old life, while the war disrupts the familiar routines of the senior officers. ### The Tension Between Tradition and Change The contrast between the peacetime 'products of peace' and the demands of modern war, as well as the clash between social pretension and genuine competence. ## Character check-ins ### George Sherston Serves as a trooper in the Yeomanry, then pursues a commission in the Flintshire Fusiliers; reflects on his incompetence and desire for a fresh start. ### Cockbird George's horse, now a trooper's charger, sold to the government; shows resentment at mobilization and separation from Dixon. ### Captain Huxtable Old friend of Aunt Evelyn; helps George obtain a Special Reserve commission in the Flintshire Fusiliers; his regimental career inspires George. ### Aunt Evelyn Supports George's decision to join the Army but expresses sadness; works at a Voluntary Aid Detachment Hospital. ### Stephen Colwood Corresponds with George; gives him the name of a military tailor and comments on his desire to get killed. ### Tom Dixon Mentioned as having brought Cockbird to Downfield; advises George to enlist where he isn't well known. ### Mr. Stoving Flamboyant military tailor from Craven & Sons; helps George order his uniform with a dashing, knowledgeable manner. ### Guy Warder Mentioned as G. Vivian-Simpson, a failed officer known as 'Pardon-me'; his social pretensions are unmasked and he remains at camp ignominiously. ## Key lines > I had slipped into the Downfield troop by enlisting two days before the declaration of war. For me, so far, the War had been a mounted infantry picnic in perfect weather. George joined the Yeomanry just before war was declared, and his early experience felt like a pleasant outdoor adventure. _Highlights the initial naivety and idyllic perception of war before the harsh realities set in._ > He would make his stuttering little farewell speech about being a credit to the regiment; going out to the Big Push which will end the War; and so on. The Colonel would give a hesitant farewell speech, urging the men to honor the regiment and promising that the upcoming offensive would end the war. _Illustrates the inadequacy of official rhetoric in the face of the grim reality of sending troops to the front._ > His whole spurious edifice fell to bits. He got into trouble with the Adjutant for cutting parades and failing to pass in musketry. In fact, he was found to be altogether unreliable and a complete cad. Vivian-Simpson's pretentious facade collapsed; he was exposed as incompetent and dishonest, leading to his failure as an officer. _Demonstrates the theme of social pretense and the harsh judgment of character in the military environment._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/ix-in-the-army - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters