Preface

by Lieut.-Colonel J. P. O’Brien Twohig

There seems little doubt that one of the causes of our failures during this war comes from the cricket (or baseball) mentality. It was the French equivalent of this which, in the case of the French nation when confronted with total war, caused it to close its eyes in horror and give up the struggle.

Unlike the war of 1914-1918 the proportion of individual fighting in this struggle is large, and it is not enough for front-line soldiers to be skilled in arms and determined; every soldier, sailor, airman, and in many cases every man and woman, may be called on to defend their lives in sudden emergencies. This defence can only be achieved by killing or disabling the enemy.

To conquer our ingrained repugnance to killing at close quarters is essential, and no better means of doing this has been discovered than by following the training methods given in Captain Fairbairn’s book.

To the civilian without a weapon or the soldier surprised without ‘his or deprived of it, it gives the necessary confidence, determination and ruthlessness to gain victory.

It will soon be found that the principal value of the training lies not so much in the actual physical holds or breaks, but in the psychological reaction which engenders and fosters the necessary attitude of mind which refuses to admit defeat and is determined to achieve victory.