Over the last hundred years or so, public attitudes to many aspects of life have changed. Slavery is no longer acceptable (though still widely practiced in some countries), class distinctions are unfashionable (although still rife in some countries). We are all aware of the criticism of lions led by donkeys and we are similarly aware that at the time of WW1, class distinction was more important than it is today. Indeed it is fair to say that this war was actually responsible for many of the changes in attitude which followed in terms of attitudes to class, women etc. The fact is that the norm ninety years ago is not the norm today and nothing we say can change that. Fortunately we have, in general, learned the lessons of history and improved things. Whether we like it or not, these things happened and officers did receive an MC against an MM for other ranks. On the other hand, higher awards such as the VC went to all sections of the military. Unlike in some countries I could mention, we do not make a practice of re-writing the history books to suit the (in)sensibilities of people like Patrick Holland. It happened, it was a fact of life, live with it or turn the light off as you leave the planet. Many other things have changed, including the fact that we no longer send our criminals out to the colonies. Indeed, we could no longer do that today for the simple reason that we would be infringing the civil liberties of criminals in sending them to a land responsible for Neighbours and Home and Away! I rarely get myself involved when people like PH vent their pathetic spleen: this is a forum for sensible discussion and aid concerning WW1. Can we get back to that please even if it means barring him. After all he rarely (if ever) contributes anything worthwhile. Dennis Corbett