The bizarre affair of Daniel Khalife reminds me of a time that I went on an exercise in Bavaria with a Yeomanry  (Territorial) regiment then commanded by the late Duke of Westminster. In my case, ‘exercise’ must be qualified. I drove around with the padre in his jeep while we cheered on the soldiery, occasionally pausing for refreshment. But I was mightily impressed by the whole business. Gerald Westminster was an inspiring C.O. His battalion bristled with enthusiasm and morale. A General was watching the troops in action. He was a formidable, sardonic character who seemed unlikely to be a man who would be over-generous with compliments. I asked him how he rated Gerald’s men. “Very good” came the answer: “As good as regulars.”