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‘Another little worm trying to wriggle home’ – Stanhope’s harsh assessment of Hibbert. He, too, cannot cope, but having toughed it out with the support of alcohol feels considerable contempt for those who attempt to go sick. At times, however, Stanhope will show more understanding for Hibbert.

‘No man of mine’s going sick before the attack. They’re going to take an equal chance – together.’ – Stanhope sees it as a key element of his duty as commanding officer to ensure that his officers stay together and work together. His determination in a similar scenario can be seen in the incident when he beats the pupils in his house with a cricket stump.

‘Has he been talking already?’ – Stanhope’s paranoia about Raleigh will be a major theme from now on.

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‘Yes, I’m his hero’ – and, through Raleigh, he is Madge’s hero too. Stanhope feels that it is impossible for him to live up to Raleigh’s expectations.

‘Small boys at school generally have their heroes.// Stan . Yes. Small boys at school do.// Osb . Often it goes on as long as - // Stan . – as long as the hero’s a hero.’ – Stanhope’s view is that officers in the trenches should have put their schooldays behind them. Osborne realises that, in fact, a lot stays the same. He expects Raleigh’s hero-worship to continue; Stanhope has such a low opinion of himself that he feels Raleigh will soon come to despise him.