Memoirs of an Infantry Officer · Chapter
I: At the Army School explained
Sherston is ordered to the Fourth Army School at Flixécourt for a month's refresher course, a welcome reprieve from the trenches.
What happens
Sherston is ordered to the Fourth Army School at Flixécourt for a month's refresher course, a welcome reprieve from the trenches. He enjoys the comforts of a clean room, good food, and the beauty of the spring countryside, contrasting sharply with the desolation of the front. The training focuses on open warfare and tactical schemes, which feel disconnected from the realities of trench warfare. Sherston forms a friendship with young Allgood, a gentle soul who later dies. The chapter ends with Sherston returning to his battalion, having enjoyed a 'cushy' interlude.
Themes in this chapter
Nostalgia for Peacetime England
Sherston's appreciation for the spring landscape, books about England, and the nightingale's song contrasts with the desolation of the trenches, highlighting his longing for a pre-war idyll.
Disillusionment with Authority
The Army School's focus on open warfare and tactical schemes seems disconnected from the realities of trench warfare, reflecting Sherston's growing skepticism of the military hierarchy's understanding of the front.
Soldier Comradeship and Civilian Alienation
Sherston finds camaraderie with fellow officers like Allgood, but also feels a sense of alienation from the civilian world, as seen in his observation of a mother and child in a village street.
Characters to notice
- 2nd Lt. Sherston
Narrator and protagonist, enjoying a respite from the front lines at the Army School.
- Flook
Sherston's servant, accompanies him to the School and remarks on the comfortable conditions.
- Barton
Sees Sherston off at the crossroads, calling him a 'Lucky Kangaroo'.
- Dottrell
Writes to Sherston from the Battalion, reporting quiet conditions and progress on the kippers.
- Young Allgood
A quiet, thoughtful officer who shares Sherston's spare time; later killed in action.
- Colonel Kinjack
Mentioned as the one who ordered Sherston to the Army School.
Key passages
“I was like a boy going to early school, except that no bell was ringing, and instead of Thucydides or Virgil, I carried a gun.”
Sherston felt like a schoolboy on his way to class, but with a rifle instead of a book.
Highlights the contrast between the innocence of youth and the reality of war.
“The horsehood of England was there with every buckle of its harness brightened.”
All the horses of England were present, with every piece of their equipment polished.
Emphasizes the impressive and orderly appearance of the military horses.
“He said he'd always wanted to go to Germany, and there seemed nothing incongruous in the remark; for the moment I forgot that every German we killed was a point scored to our side.”
Allgood mentioned his desire to visit Germany, and Sherston momentarily forgot that Germans were the enemy.
Shows the humanizing of the enemy and the absurdity of war.
“It was a luxury to be alone, with plenty of space for my portable property.”
Having time to himself and room for his belongings felt like a great luxury.
Contrasts the cramped and communal conditions of the trenches.
