Memoirs of an Infantry Officer · Chapter
IV: Battle explained
In this chapter, the narrator recounts his experiences during the Battle of the Somme, including his unauthorized stay in Quadrangle Trench, his capture of a German trench, and his subsequent reprimand by Colonel Kinjack.
What happens
In this chapter, the narrator recounts his experiences during the Battle of the Somme, including his unauthorized stay in Quadrangle Trench, his capture of a German trench, and his subsequent reprimand by Colonel Kinjack. He reflects on the futility of war, the victimization of inexperienced troops, and his own psychological strain. The chapter also includes a contemplative moment in camp, where he ponders the meaning of the war and his connection to David Cromlech, before returning to the front lines.
Themes in this chapter
War as Futile Attrition
The narrator reflects on the 'attrition of manpower' as he sees the bodies of Kendle and a young German soldier, emphasizing the senseless loss of life.
Psychological Strain and Survival
The narrator describes his strained nerves, desire to kill at close quarters, and his 'cockfighting' courage, illustrating the mental toll of combat.
Dehumanization and Animal Instinct
The narrator's instinctual reactions and the dehumanizing effects of war are evident in his actions and the treatment of the dead.
Disillusionment with Authority
The narrator's disregard for Barton's order and his resentment of Kinjack's reprimand reflect a growing disillusionment with military authority.
Characters to notice
- David Cromlech
Mentioned in a reflective passage, recalling a conversation with him that reawakened the narrator's desire for intellectual stimulation.
- Barton
Issued a written order for the narrator to return, and later expressed pity for the incoming Welsh troops.
- Colonel Kinjack
Angrily reprimanded the narrator for not returning with his company bombers and for failing to send a message about the captured trench.
- Young Fernby
Present at the bombing post, anxious about the narrator's return, and suggested sending a party to occupy the captured trench.
- Kendle
Found dead with a bluish face; his body was covered by the narrator's order.
- Durley
Mentioned as one of the narrator's companions in camp, described as kind and sensitive.
Key passages
“Disregarding a written order from Barton, telling me to return, I remained up in Quadrangle Trench all the morning.”
I ignored Barton's written command to come back and stayed in Quadrangle Trench throughout the morning.
Shows the narrator's defiance of orders during intense combat.
“My courage was of the cockfighting kind. Cockfighting is illegal in England, but in July 1916 the man who could boast that he’d killed a German in the Battle of the Somme would have been patted on the back by a bishop in a hospital ward.”
My bravery was like that of a fighting cock, and while such blood sports are banned in England, in 1916 killing a German was celebrated even by clergy.
Highlights the irony and moral inversion of wartime values.
“The sun had gone down on my own reckless brandishings, and I understood the doomed condition of these half trained civilians who had been sent up to attack the Wood.”
As night fell on my own reckless actions, I realized the fate of these poorly trained civilians sent to assault the Wood.
Reflects the narrator's growing empathy and awareness of the troops' victimization.
“He and Kendle had cancelled one another out in the process called 'attrition of manpower.'”
The German and Kendle had mutually destroyed each other in what was termed 'attrition of manpower.'
Emphasizes the impersonal and wasteful nature of war.
