unity of seeing for themselves how well the youngsters were doing,
how keen they were, and also the state of efficiency that they had
reached. So I decided to hold a review of those from 16 to 18 years of
age serving in the Metropolitan area. The day of the review arrived. Over
twenty-two thousand lads were on parade. The Governor-General, Lord
Denman, took the salute. The crowd was certainly not so large as that
which was present at the time of the visit of the American Fleet, but
still it was enormous. At a certain stage of the review the order was
given for "Hats off. Three cheers for the King." The rule is on such
ceremonial occasions to take the time for the three cheers from the
general officer commanding the parade, who, riding in front of the line
of troops, faces the saluting point. The three cheers were duly given
when, to my surprise, I heard a shrill cry of "Tiger!" and, following it,
"One more cheer." I looked round just in time to see some thousands of
hats in the air. The lads provided this extra entertainment on their
own.

The way the boys marched, their soldierly bearing, their smart appearance
and their enthusiasm were the best answer that the Government, Parliament
and the people of Australia could have had as to the success of the
universal service system which they had brought into force. Many, indeed,
were the proud fathers and mothers on that day.

One last record. I had commanded the first review of trainees.

In 1912, on General Hoad's death, I was appointed Chief of the General
Staff and First Member of the Military Board, the highest position in the
military forces of the Commonwealth.

For the constant and willing co-operation of the Australian officers and
men who served under me with such zeal for so many years I give my
sincerest thanks. They have since proved themselves heroic soldiers in
the field.

To Gordon of Khartoum for his three golden rules of life; to General
Downes for the excellent example he gave of what an upright soldier
should be; and to Sergeant Charles Cameron Kingston for his appreciation
of my work and ever-ready assistance I owe the deepest debt of
gratitude.

CHAPTER VI

CHIEF OF THE GENERAL STAFF

When General Hoad, my predecessor as Chief of the General Staff, fell
ill, the Government decided to grant him six months' leave of absence on
full pay, and his duties were to be carried out temporarily by Major
Wilson, R.F.A., _p.s.c._, who was the only