THE BATTLE OF FRANCE

they have a prestige to safeguard. Where we're in
camp at the moment, I have the colours hoisted
every morning and give orders for a ceremonial
parade. It maintains rhythm and discipline
amazingly/

'And what are units without the past of the
Zouaves to do?' I said.

*If they're well led/ he said, 'they can soon
enough create their own esprit de corps. Look at the
"crews" in the Maginot Line, for example/

It is all essential. Civilization is made of traditions
and costumes. The Scottish kilt, the Zouave
chgchia, the Alpine beret, the infantryman's march,
each has a magic of its own. And above all now,
while we are waiting, it is an excellent thing that
military ceremony, strict and stimulating, should
help relieve the monotony of work.

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