Etiquette of Allies and “Guests”

Military etiquette, for example, demands that when a party of British officers are saluted by a British private, only the senior officer acknowledges the salute. When, however the salute is given by a French private, the acknowledgement is made by all the officers. – photo source, Pinterest

British Headquarters, (France) July 12.—One of the first considerations of the British army officials is the avoidance of all friction with the inhabitants of the occupied districts of France and the maintenance of most cordial relations with the French soldiers. A principal factor in keeping on good terms with the allied army has been the steadfast insistance on the courtesies of discipline. Military etiquette, for example, demands that when a party of British officers are saluted by a British private, only the senior officer acknowledges the salute. When, however the salute is given by a French private, the acknowledgement is made by all the officers. “The idea is,’’ a staff officer explained, “that by this act of courtesy, we daily show to the French, our consciousness that if we are their allies, we are also guests in their country. And where the officers give the lead, the men are quick to follow.” – Morning Union,1915

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