The Spectator

From ‘The Attack on the Dardanelles’, The Spectator, 27 February 1915: THE British public have recognized the importance of the attack on the Dardanelles. They have seen instinctively that it means a great deal more than the mere bombardment of the vulnerable points offered by the enemy's forts on the European and Asiatic sides of the gateway to Constantinople. It may be worth while, then, to show in more detail the significance of the action, and what are the results likely to ensue—provided that the general course of events is favourable to the Allies. Let us begin by saying, however, that, should the operations for any reason be temporarily unsuccessful, it would be most foolish to feel anxiety or even special disappointment.

From ‘News of the Week’, The Spectator, 27 February 1915: A MOVEMENT which will appeal to many people as the most significant and romantic in the war was begun on Friday week, when an Anglo-French fleet appeared off the Dardanelles and bombarded the forts. Early in the morning Cape Relies and Kum Kaleh were bombarded with deliberate long-range fire. Considerable effect was produced on two of the forts. Two others were frequently hit, but as they were open earthworks it was difficult to estimate the damage. The forts, being outranged, were not able to reply. At 2.45 p.m. some of the battleships were ordered to engage the forts at closer range with secondary armament. The forts on both sides of the entrance then opened fire, and were engaged at moderate ranges.

From ‘The Psychology of Drill’, The Spectator, 20 February 1915: One is tempted to divide all men under drill into two classes—the precipitate and the tardy. Every one who has listened to a drill instructor's words knows that the first part of a command is cautionary. For instance, in "Right—turn" there is a pause between the two words, and the movement to the right takes place on the word "turn." Some men cannot prevent themselves from moving at the word "right" Others are late on the second word. Surely this tendency must correspond to some constitutional temperament or innate mental quality. Shall we call the early movers impatient men and the late ones lethargic or slow-witted?