# VIII explained — Now It Can Be Told

> Chapter companion for Now It Can Be Told by Philip Gibbs.

## What happens

The narrator describes a formal reception by Sir John French at his château headquarters near St.-Omer, contrasting the serene setting with the grim reality of the front. Sir John's speech is recalled, and later, during the Battle of Loos, the narrator observes him on a white horse, now looking older, while disillusioned Scottish soldiers criticize his leadership.

## Themes in this chapter

### Betrayal by Leadership

The soldiers' criticism of Sir John French after the Battle of Loos reflects a sense of betrayal by the high command.

### Class and Inequality

The contrast between the luxurious château headquarters and the soldiers living in ditches highlights the inequality between officers and men.

## Character check-ins

### Sir John French

Commander-in-Chief who receives the press at his château and later appears on a white horse after the Battle of Loos.

### The Colonel

Gathers the press like a shepherd before the meeting with Sir John French.

### The Gordons

A young soldier of the 8th Gordons criticizes Sir John French after the Battle of Loos.

### The Scots Guards

Scottish soldiers of the 1st and 15th Divisions are seen returning wounded after the Battle of Loos.

## Key lines

> I thought for a moment of the men living in ditches in the salient, under harassing fire by day and night. Their actions and their encounters with death were being arranged, without their knowledge, in this sunny little château.

The narrator reflects on the irony that soldiers' fates are decided in a peaceful château while they endure constant danger in the trenches.

_Highlights the disconnect between command and frontline reality._

> “Well, he’s made a mess o’ the battle. We could’ve held Hill 70 against all the di’els o’ hell if there had bin supports behind us.”

A Scottish soldier blames Sir John French for the failure at Loos, claiming they could have held Hill 70 with proper support.

_Direct criticism of leadership from the ranks._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/viii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters