A collateral but quite distinct complaint against Sir William Robertson
and Sir Douglas .Haig is that the brains of the new Army have not been drawn upon for Staff work and high appoint- ment& But this complaint is marked either by ignorance or exaggeration. Minor Staff appointments have long been filled by men of the new Armies, and this of course means that the way was open to them to ascend much higher. In war time the promotion of those who earn it is extremely rapid. Even if the charge could be supported that not enough opportunity has been given to the brain-power of civilians who have turned soldiers, it should be remembered that the old Regular Army was no unworthy well to draw from. It was the most highly trained force which has ever been brought together in the history of war. It was small but it was marvellously efficient. In general there does not seem to us very much in the grievance that there is no ladder in the Army. What is one to say of Sir William Robertson himself ? Ho served in the ranks and now occupies the highest position on the Staff which it is possible for any soldier to hold.
