A Gas Attack

Examiner of Plays' Summary:

This is a sketch, a la Bairnsfather, of the life and lingo of Tommy in the trenches. Its scene is a machine gun emplacement 'somewhere in France', which is visited by a brigadier-general disguised in a private's great-coat and cap, for the purpose of finding out how things really are with the troops under his command. By this means the general manages to hear some home truths, but not unkindly ones, about himself as 'the old Blighter', and some grumbles about rations. Later on his life is saved by the gallantry of his outspoken critic in the course of a gas attack: and he shows his gratitude by overlooking disrespect for the sake of bravery, and by reporting the latter for recognition. The language both of brigadier and private is more forcible than polite; but the spirit of the free-and-easy study is sound. Recommended for Licence Ernest A. Bendall

Researcher's Summary:

This sketch was first given as part of a matinee in aid of the Machine Gun Corps Comforts fund for men at the front, on Saturday 17 March at the Grand Theatre, Mansfield. The sketch was said to be 'the first time on any stage a most realistic and dramatic sketch' (Mansfield Reporter, 16 March 1917). The sketch was written by Major Houston of the Machine Gun Corps, who had recently seen action at the front. It was repeated twice, both time in amateur, charity performances.