by Joy Peters
Colonel Saunders didn't welcome the interruption to his afternoon period of 'contemplation'. After responding to the knock on his door, his adjutant, Major Simpkins, saluted and entered the office of his commanding officer.
"Sorry for troubling you, Sir - but I think you need to know that I've been advised of a potential problem. One of the girls from B platoon has expressed concern about her treatment by the drill corporals. It could be rather embarrassing if it all comes out I'm afraid."
"What's it all about, Simpkins?"
"It seems that the girls who miss their targets are being punished."
"Nothing unusual in that."
"It's the method of punishment Sir. I understand that they are being caned."
"What? You are kidding me, Simpkins?"
"I don't know the full story but they - the girls - think they are being treated differently and are being subjected to inappropriate, demeaning and painful treatment for their failure to achieve training targets."
"Well you had better give me a full report."
"Can I suggest that we keep it informal at the present time? If this comes out I think the proverbial will hit the fan."
"Of course, Simpkins. I trust you to handle this appropriately and in a clandestine manner. I do however want a full report on my desk within twenty-four hours. Can you do that?"
"I'll do my best, Sir."
"Good man."
Major John Simpkins had been adjutant to the commanding officer at the Special Forces training and assessment centre for the last three years. Colonel Saunders had been in command for the last eighteen months. Women had been eligible to participate in the assessment and training programme for the last twelve months - since parliament had approved allowing women into combat roles within the armed forces. There was a natural reluctance within the Army to facilitate women into this role. The first course had seen eight female candidates, of whom only two had made the grade and graduated into the elite Special Forces battalion. There was mounting pressure to increase the numbers of females in order to satisfy the women's liberation movement who were asking awkward questions, which had led to an interesting debate in parliament.
Major Simpkins was a genial man in his early forties. He accepted that he had probably reached his zenith in the British Army but was a loyal and supportive officer in his role of adjutant. Colonel Saunders was grateful for this and thankful that he didn't have an ambitious younger officer in his stead.
Major Simpkins immediately started on his investigation. He re-interviewed the complainant - Private Carol Jones, a bright young woman who was coping well with the arduous training programme. She had been initially nervous in approaching Major Simpkins as it was generally accepted that it was 'not the done thing'. She confirmed that she had not discussed her complaint with anyone else and gave a verbal undertaking not to do so, pending a response from Major Simpkins.
During the second interview Carol confirmed that the female trainees were segregated for 'fatigues' - the consequence for anyone failing to achieve the required standard in the training programme. She stated that the men were given extra drill, usually comprising exhausting physical exercise dressed in full combat kit. The defaulting women trainees were sent to the gymnasium for additional exercises that often comprised repeated and timed circuit training. Those not making sufficient effort had to lower their gym shorts and do press ups, during which the drill corporals would apply the cane to the proffered naked backsides. Depending on the alleged lack of effort, as many as five strokes would be applied, leaving crimson weal's that were visible for several days afterwards. The drill Corporals were both male and female, which added to the acute embarrassment of the women being punished.
The drill corporals were each seen and confirmed the account provided by Private Carol Jones. They understood that the orders for treating the female trainees in this manner had come from the top, and none of them were alarmed by this. Major Simpkins then interviewed Captain Rosemary Simpson, who was the officer designated in charge of recruit training.
Captain Rosemary Simpson was a delightful young woman aged twenty-six years. She stood five-feet-nine and had a figure that was the envy of all the wives in camp. She had shortly cropped dark straight hair and a keen sense of humour that made her a popular fellow officer whose company was always sought at Mess events and 'dining in' nights. She had trained at Sandhurst and graduated with honours. Apparently she was short listed for the Sovereigns Sword of Honour (awarded to the best Officer Cadet upon graduation) but narrowly missed receiving this award, allegedly because the winner the previous year was also a female graduate. Although disappointed, Rosemary was not unduly concerned. She loved the Army and everything it stood for. Her father had been a senior commissioned officer, now retired. Her first operational posting was to an infantry regiment and it was here that she felt comfortable and made exceptional progress.
Rosemary had been seconded to the Special Forces training unit four months previously. Reluctant at first, she was persuaded to go because of the political pressure to increase the number of female soldiers passing out. Her remit was to improve the training programme and remove barriers and so-called glass ceilings, especially as they applied to the female trainees. She was assured that she would return to her infantry regiment as soon as her mission had been accomplished.
When interviewed by Major Simpkins she confirmed that she had authorised the application of corporal punishment for defaulting women trainees, stating that it was less arduous than the measures applied to their male counterparts. She believed that previously when the same default measures were applied to everyone, the women were disadvantaged as they didn't have the physical capacity to cope, and this had resulted in the high dropout level. On reflection she accepted that she should have discussed this with her commanding officer given the potential for adverse publicity, but remained of the view that it was an appropriate way of dealing with defaulting women trainees.
She had discussed the matter confidentially with her subordinate instructors, none of whom raised concerns. She had briefed the women trainees about the penalty measures and advised that none had complained. Had they done so they would have been offered alternative treatment identical to that applied to male defaulters. She advised Major Simpkins that she did not personally attend the default sessions as she had full confidence in her drill corporals.
Major Simpkins ordered Rosemary to immediately suspend the use of corporal punishment and advised her that he would shortly be submitting a report to the commanding officer and that she would be advised of the outcome in due course.
Captain Rosemary Simpson left her meeting and interrogation by Major Simpkins in a subdued state. This was the first time since her Sandhurst days that any of her decisions had been questioned by a fellow or senior officer. She realised that there was potential for serious repercussions. That evening she discussed her situation with Peter, her husband of two years. Peter was a fine young man who had met Rosemary at a military social event some three years previously and they fell in love at first sight.
Peter worked for his father's business, trading in the city. It allowed him to be a camp follower as he was able to work from home much of the time and only attend the City office twice a week. He and Rosemary occupied a comfortable Officers' Married Quarter within the confines of the barracks and they enjoyed a good social life. For the sake of Rosemary's military career they had decided to delay having children; they were both relatively young in any event. Peter shared Rosemary's concern about the matter and complaint raised by one of the female trainees, but tried to downplay the situation.
The following morning, Rosemary was instructed to report to the Commanding Officer at 11:00 hours. She was called into the CO's office at the prescribed time and invited to take a seat. Major Simpkins was also present. Colonel Saunders opened the proceedings.
"You know why I sent for you, Simpson?"
"I think so, Sir: to do with a complaint made by a female trainee?"
"Indeed so, Captain. I've had the opportunity to read the investigation report from Major Simpkins and to give some consideration to how to resolve the unfortunate matter. Caning female trainees has no place in the British Army. If this matter were to leak outside I have no doubt that the tabloid papers would have a field day; not only would it prove highly embarrassing to the Army and Secretary of Defence - but heads, including mine, would probably roll. I have already seen Private Gill and assured her that the practice will cease with immediate effect. She seems a sensible young woman and appears amenable to an informal resolution.
However, whether this matter is dealt with informally or not depends on you, Simpson. There is ample evidence to charge you under several sections of the military code of conduct and I will not hesitate to do so if an informal solution is not put in place. Applying informal remedies comes with enormous personal risk to me, but for the sake of the good name of the Regiment I am prepared to offer it. As I have said, Private Gill is amenable and I have discussed with her a potential solution as an alternative to you facing a Court Martial. She has been made aware that it was your decision to punish female defaulting trainees in the way that led to Private Gill raising a complaint. She has been advised that the practice has been prohibited with immediate effect. Private Gill speaks highly of you and is mortified that her concerns have resulted in what I propose.
However, she has assured me that she will not - not ever - discuss this matter with any third party. She does not want the matter to go to Court Martial, for everyone's sake, and is most keen to continue her training here.
I am proposing, Captain Simpson, that you suffer similar demeaning embarrassment and pain as that suffered hitherto by your female trainees. Afterwards I will have you transferred back to your Infantry Regiment. What do you say?"
"I'm in a state of shock, Sir. I'm not sure how to respond. Can I have some time to consider my response?"
"You can have until 14:00 hours this afternoon. I'll see you then."
Rosemary left the CO's office in deep despair. Her once promising military career now seemed doomed by a stupid error of judgement, however well meaning it was intended. She went straight back to her quarters and burst into tears. Today she was alone as Peter was working in the City. She realised she had no bargaining tools; it was either Court Martial with all the accompanying public scandal and media interest, or whatever pain and humiliation the CO had in mind, resulting in a humbling return to her Regiment. She could as a third option offer her immediate resignation?
Rosemary made her way to the CO's office and arrived there a few minutes before 2pm. She knocked his door at precisely two o'clock and heard the instruction to enter. She went in, saluted and was invited to sit down. This time the CO was alone. Major Simpkins was nowhere to be seen.
"Have you made your decision, Captain?"
"I would have liked longer, Sir, so that I could have perhaps discussed the matter with my husband."
"I really want to get this unpleasant matter resolved as quickly as possible. If, however, you need longer - and I can understand your wanting to discuss this with Peter - then I could delay until the morning."
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