I’ve Been Reading…
The Making of the British Army. Allan Mallinson (2009: p.390-3) Bantam Press, London
Put In
Been abandoned, stranded, let down on promises? Left to do a job after being promised support? In our time of greatest need, the relief and resources we were to relay on failed to arrive and we realised that we are on our own; betrayed by those who should be there to back us!
Work Through
Here is a lesson on being let down from the Korean War:
At the Imjin River in 1951, a British battalion called the “Glosters” was stranded on “Hill 235” fighting “wave after wave of Chinese infantry”. After three days of back-to back combat a relief force of Philippine & American troops were promised to relive them.
In the afternoon of the promised day, the officer in charge, Colonel Carne, received an update from HQ. Mallinson writes: “Without emotion, he turned to Farrah-Hockley, (his CO) and says: ‘You know that infantry column that is coming to relive us?’
‘Yes’ Said Farrah-Hockley.
“Well, it isn’t coming.”
“Right, sir”
It is the reply from Hockely that strikes me! It goes down in history as one of those classic British understatements. Behind it, however, is an iron resolve to just get on with it and a determination to do whatever can be done despite disappointment.
No histrionics, emotional outburst, hurling of expletives or phones; no furious frustration, rebellion or righteous resignation. Just a clear commitment to the cause and a dedication to the mission. Despite the heroics over hysterics, however, it did not end well for the Glosters. The gallant defence resulted in great loss, and those who survived were taken captive and spent the rest of the war as a POW, so there was no traditional “heroes ending” here.
It appears that the Glosters were not a particularly special regiment, either. They were not comprised of super-heroes nor had they formed a fearsome reputation for “last stands”. What it had was solid leadership, strong character, and a resolve to behave professionally in tough times. Despite the defeat, their defiant stand against the overwhelming odds thus became the “Legend of the Glorious Glosters” and “Hill 235” was re-named “Gloster Hill”.
Behaviour builds reputation!
Take Away
It is a great lesson on how to conduct oneself when letdown.
How might we react? “Stuff this: I’m off!” Perhaps break down in a hissy fit of hysterics, or, perhaps, even “joined the other side”?
Sure, it is hard to control emotions, to curb frustration, and control anger when one realises that what was promised is no longer being provided, and thus stoic replies may be beyond us, but regardless, we find ourselves alone and the job still needs doing.
For the Glosters, it was not about “who they were” but “how they behaved” and that is something we all have a choice about.
We may not be a “super-hero” or part of a “special unit” with a reputation for greatness, but we can all choose how to respond and how to behave. When let down, abandoned, left alone to struggle through, we can fight it out or flee. We can choose to push through as a professional or act like an amateur. We can respond with a “stuff this!” and get out of there or a “Right sir!” and get on with it.
Perhaps we too will then gain a reputation for resilience, a character of courage, and our behaviour will build a legend to inspire others
