The men of the 52nd Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment were camped in Sherwood Forest, having recently been evacuated from Dunkirk. We had lost all our guns and vehicles in France, but were now being re-equipped.

The whole regiment was called on parade to be addressed by the colonel. He broke the news that soon we would be moving and going to sea to a country where it would be very hot. This was hardly a surprise to us, as we had all been issued with tropical kit, including pith helmets!

"However," said the colonel, "owing to the prevalence of disease at our destination, it is necessary to take precautions. One of the greatest means of infestation is in the head. So to prevent this, every man in the regiment must have the whole hair shaved from his head in the next three days."

Our Regimental Sergeant Major was a strict disciplinarian and feared by all and sundry, but immediately after the parade had been dismissed he marched to the colonel's office. On facing the C.O., the R.S.M asked him if the order regarding heads being shaved applied to everyone. The colonel assured him that it did.

"Does this include yourself and all the officers, sir?" he asked the R.S.M.

"Indeed not," was the reply.

To this the R.S.M said: "Are the flies and insects that attack the head so educated that they can distinguish between officers and other ranks?"

The colonel was silent for a few moments, then quietly said to the R.S.M.: "Cancel the order."

- Arthur Cope