Item 03: John Duncan McRae diary, 10 February-6 May 1917 - Page 67

[Page 67]

when he smiles. Me thought he would not often smile, but flesh & blood could not have withstood the cheers of our lads. From what I have heard, & inferred, and seen I now have absolute confidence in England's King and our King, his sad, sweet smile and the tone of his deep voice impressed me greatly, and more than ever am I proud to think that I may in my small way help the King & his ministers in their 'Crusade'.

I am sorry to confess that Royalty is by no means universally popular amongst the boys and the value of tradition and of traditions' emblems is not acknowledged generally by Australia's sons. That is something which has yet to be learnt by them. How this may best be done should, me thinks, be a problem for our coming pedagogues.