THE STRAITS TIMES

Singapore

17 January 1934

(page 5)

GEN. J.F.C. FULLER.

War Office And Views On Mechanisation.

The London Gazette recently stated that Major-Gen. J.F.C. Fuller, C.B., C.B.E., D.S.O., having been three years unemployed, is placed on retired pay under the provision of Art. 568, Royal Warrant for Pay and Promotion, 1931.

The Military Correspondent of the Morning Post writes: Seldom is an officer of outstanding qualities such as are possessed by Gen. Fuller “passed over” for further employment. Gen. Fuller is only 55, that is, seven years under the retiring age for his rank.

He adopted a line of action in relation to mechanization, and did not hesitate to express his views. As they were sometime contrary to the views held by the Higher Command he has had to pay the penalty.

It may be recalled that when at the War Office under Lord Milne, in 1926, Gen. Fuller (then colonel) was gazetted to the command of the 7th Infantry Brigade. That was the unit employed for building up a mechanized force for experimental purposes. In consequence, it is said, of some disagreement with the higher authorities, Gen. Fuller went instead to Aldershot, where he served as G.S.O. 1 to Gen. Sir Edmund Ironside.

The theme of Gen. Fuller’s criticism has always been “half an inch of steel to cancel out half an ounce of lead.” This he maintains would make the offensive stronger than the defensive and reduce the cost, casualties, and destruction. Hence his demand for more and more tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles.