INTRODUCTION 



I emphatically believe in peace and all the kindred 

 virtues. But I think that they are only worth having if 

 they come as a consequence of possessing the combined 

 virtue of courage and hardihood. So I feel that in an 

 age which naturally and properly excels, as it should excel, 

 in the milder and softer qualities, there is need that we 

 should not forget that in the last analysis the safe basis of 

 a successful national character must rest upon the great 

 fighting virtues, and those great fighting virtues can be 

 shown quite as well in peace as in war. 



They can be shown in the work of the philanthropist; 

 in the work of the scientist; and, most emphatically of all, 

 in the work of the explorer, who faces and overcomes 

 perils and hardships which the average soldier never in 

 his life knows. In war, after all, it is only the man at the 

 very head who is ever lonely. All the others, from the 

 subordinate generals down through the privates, are 

 cheered and sustained by the sense of companionship and 

 by the sense of divided responsibility. 



You, the man whom we join to honour to-night, you, 

 who for month in and month out, year in and year out, had 

 to face perils and overcome the greatest risks and difficulties 

 with resting on your shoulders the undivided respon- 

 sibility which meant life or death to you and your 

 followers — you had to show in addition what the modern 

 commander with his great responsibility does not have to 

 show. You had to show all the moral qualities in war, 

 together with other qualities. You did a great deed, a 

 deed that counted for all mankind, a deed which reflected 

 credit upon you and upon your country; and on behalf of 

 those present, and speaking also for the millions of your 

 countrymen, I take pleasure in handing you this 



