Note 5 — Chapter III · GALLIPOLI (June 1915—January 1916)

Holberton could trounce an offender very effectively, but his comments never rankled nor ever affected the admiration and affection in which he was held. While Adjutant and at the same time O.C. of his battalion, he placed a newly-joined subaltern in charge of a working-party. An hour later, to his surprise, he saw the party returning from the task. “You don’t mean to say you’ve finished?” he said to the sub. “No, sir, but the men said they were tired and would work better after a rest and tea.” “Yes,” said Holberton, “they wanted to find out if they had to deal with an officer or a d⸺ fool! Now they know.”