“Peacocks in khaki,” Crozier stepped forward. “Out without their ma!”
“Maybe we’d best remind them what real soldiers are like.” Todd removed his belt and coiled it around his fist, buckle foremost like a knuckle duster.
Private Kerswell of the Royals lifted his chin. “You’d better find some first when you’re not butchering babies!” He stamped his feet on the ground. “Come and feel my fives, you ranting bastard!”
Hanley and Brotheridge backed Kerswell up, standing four-square to face their rivals.
Jack walked between them before they began to brawl. “Have you men no duty to attend?” He put an edge in his voice as Elliot joined him, two senior officers preventing a brawl by privates. “You’re letting your regiments down by this behaviour!”
Both groups stiffened to attention and saluted.
