This is an entry in a year-long project to post-blog the demobilisation experience for British servicemen at the end of the Second World War. See here for an introduction to the project and here for a brief overview of the demobilisation process.
The 'Man o' the People' in the eponymous Sunday newspaper reflects on the demobilisation experience so far:
The medley of muddle grows. It mocks the virility and sturdy independence of the race - the British people who for years have tolerated and endured sacrifice and iron discipline. What has come over the country? There is no initiative in government circles. While discontent rose, apathy in Whitehall to the public needs became more marked. Bureaucracy is strangling the country. Red tape wraps itself around every pressing problem. The octopus created by the exigencies of war still has us in its hateful grip.
'Let the people suffer: let them queue. Let them wait for their house. Let them worry over their stupid football pools. Let them seek in vain for holiday accomodation!' That seems to epitomize the attitude of government departments to the crying needs of the nation. 'Let Tommy soldier on! Let him spit and polish and blanco! Let him contain his soul in patience! Let him drill and salute and do fatigues! That seems to epitomize the War Office's attitude to the tired and weary men who are waiting to return to civilian life ...
'Really,' runs the War Office comment, 'the most striking thing about demobilisation is that the scheme is as good as it is.' Few will deny that. But is it good good enough? Is it the best scheme? And is it elastic enough to adapt itself to the changing demands of the country?
Oh, those poor common folk who can't arrange holiday accommodation. When, oh when, bread and roses?
Posted by: Erik Lund | Wednesday, 15 July 2009 at 02:08 PM