value of the units of which each is composed—not the regiments, but the individual men.
Since Germany's astonishing military successes in 1866 and 1870, the German soldier has been looked on as the best in the world; but, without wishing to disparage either his physical or his mental qualities, I doubt whether he would prove the superior of the British soldier; firstly, because he is a conscript and short-service man,[1] whilst his British rival is voluntarily enlisted and serves seven years, sometimes eight, before passing into the Reserve; and, secondly, because for forty years the German Army has seen no fighting, whereas most English regiments have taken part in Indian Frontier Expeditions, invaluable experience for any kind of warfare, and many of the non-commissioned
- ↑ Service with the Colours is three years with the Cavalry and Horse Artillery, and two years with other arms." —Strength and Organisation of the Armies of France, Germany, and Japan. See Journal of the Royal United Service Institution for February 1912.
