# XV explained — Now It Can Be Told > Chapter companion for Now It Can Be Told by Philip Gibbs. ## What happens The chapter examines the role and perception of British generals and staff officers during World War I, highlighting their physical and mental similarities, their conservative military thinking, and the growing disillusionment and bitterness among troops due to costly attacks on worthless ground and poor generalship. It contrasts the lack of inspiring leadership on the British front with figures like Foch, and notes the eventual improvement in staff work and administration despite systemic flaws. ## Themes in this chapter ### Betrayal by Leadership The chapter details how British generalship made many mistakes, including costly attacks on worthless ground, leading to deep bitterness and a sense of betrayal among troops. ### Postwar Disillusionment The disillusionment of the armies is described as inherited by Haig, with troops seeing no end to the slaughter and losing faith in their commanders. ### Class and Inequality The contrast between the privileged staff officers (with red tabs and polished boots) and the ordinary soldiers is highlighted, fueling hatred and resentment. ## Character check-ins ### Sir John French Mentioned as having a touch of personal power during the retreat from Mons, but his prestige faded as trench warfare began. ### Sir Douglas Haig Succeeded Sir John French; described as shy, reserved, and lacking the magic touch to inspire troops, inheriting the disillusionment of the armies. ### Marshal Foch Noted as the only general on the western front who obtained supreme command and had impressive personality. ### The British Refers to the British troops and their growing bitterness and fury toward generals and staff officers due to high casualties and poor leadership. ### Poor Old Tommy Atkins Mentioned as the recipient of reliable food supply despite the chaos of war. ### The Australians Cited as an example of troops whose fighting merit was not measured by smartness in saluting or parade. ## Key lines > Our generals must have their little V’s at any price, to justify themselves at G.H.Q. Generals insisted on capturing small salients (V-shaped wedges) regardless of the cost in lives, merely to justify their actions to headquarters. _Expresses the bitter irony felt by officers about the pointless territorial gains._ > It was washed out in blood and mud. The prestige of the Commander-in-Chief was erased by the immense bloodshed and muddy conditions of trench warfare. _Describes how Sir John French's reputation was destroyed by the realities of war._ > a young staff officer, in his red tabs, with a jaunty manner, was like a red rag to a bull among battalion officers and men, and they desired his death exceedingly The sight of a confident young staff officer provoked extreme anger among frontline troops, who wished him dead. _Illustrates the intense hatred directed at staff officers perceived as detached from the fighting._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/now_it_can_be_told_se/chapters/xv - 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