"Somme. The whole history of the world cannot contain a more ghastly word." -- Friedrich Steinbrecher
Good Queen Bess the Second observed the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme by laying a wreath on the Grave of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey. That battle, like so many others, exemplified the British tradition of holding fast even if the whole world should come against her. In that months-long engagement on the Western front, the British suffered 58,000 casualties, and for what? To gain a strip of land less than seven miles deep. If this country must have a special relationship with any other, let us be thankful it is with the Brits. They don't run.
Great Britain's decision the other day to strike out on her own, leaving the European Union behind, has mystified many who don't understand the British, including many of the British themselves. But those who admire their spirit--in war and peace and in between--can only cheer our cousins across the pond.
Yes, we've had our disagreements, as in 1776 and 1812, but has there ever been a people so stoic in bad times and reserved in good ones? They celebrate their defeats as others do their victories. George Orwell once noted that there "is no popular [English] poem about Trafalgar or Waterloo ... The most stirring battle poem in English is about a brigade of cavalry which charged in the wrong direction."
There is a certain English quality that the world may not understand but can't help admiring. It is easier to describe that quality than explain it. Andre van Loon, writing from London, cites a few examples: "Not quite saying what you mean; not always meaning what you say; not liking someone but being unfailingly polite while showing genuine affection for others by constant mockery." And never, ever surrendering on a matter of principle.
Hear, hear.
Editorial on 07/11/2016