Captain Lashbrooke Character Analysis

How I would justify Capitan Lashbrooke’s decision of stopping the attack halfway and almost leaving the Sergeant Major, Snell, Tom and the 3 other soldiers behind is by showing betrayal, disloyalty, and selfishness. Capitan Lashbrooke felt it was “ok” to leave the bugler, the Corporal, and the Sergeant Major along with some soldiers behind. He didn’t know value and importance of these people, and was willing would have left them behind. He didn’t realize how the battle would have gone without having the Sergeant Major. Throughout the book, Captain Lashbrooke always had orders for Jim, but if he wasn’t present, some things wouldn’t be the same. “‘Captain Lashbrooke!’ From far away in the trees the answer came, ‘We’re pulling back, Kerslake,

“‘Judging by their fire, I don’t reckon there's more than half a dozen or so,’ his uncle spoke quietly. ‘If we could get a few men upstream around that bend; they could cross over and come up behind the rebel pits’” (p.200). The Sergeant Major poses idea’s he knows that are not only beneficial but impacting the troops in a positive way. On the other hand, Capitan Lashbrooke solely wants to do things that will make him look good. He is very self-centered. “The idea that G Company could win the day appealed to Lashbrooke because he immediately passed orders for the company to hold its fire until they hear the bugle call” (p.201). Uncle Jim knew many elements and ideas used in battles before and were able to apply them to this situation. “‘What’s going on up there?’ Capitan Lashbrooke nervously… ‘Here’s your battle, Sir,’ Uncle Jim spoke loudly over the guns. ‘That’s a couple hundred rifles anyway. Haven’t heard that sound for twenty years, but you never forget it’” (p.149). Yes, I do think Sergeant Major has more of a war mindset, than Capitan Lashbrooke does because Jim has been and fought in wars. He has faced it firsthand and knows tricks which can be played. “The General cut in before Lashbrooke could answer, ‘Capitan idea, Colour Sergeant! Old soldier are

“The General positively beamed. ‘Couldn’t be better! Lashbrooke! Make use of this NCO as a guide! When you get in position I’ll expect you to hold firm, Capitan.’ He wheeled his horse to canter away… Uncle Jim saluted, ‘Very good, sir. I’ll bring the company up. May I suggest we go slowly, sir, to keep the men in hand?’ ‘Of course Sergeant Major. G Company will maintain proper discipline in the attack” (p.165). Also, when Tom had gone for the bugler position Lashbrooke paid attention to how Tom looked rather than his skills. However, the main purpose of the bulger is to sound the calls, not be short or tall. “He had expected that Captain Lashbrooke would want him to hear him play the bugle, or ask him questions about soldiering, or do something other than just call him skinny and short” (p.15). Capitan Lashbrooke did not look and pay attention to what is really needed. Another thing what Lashbrooke does, which is uncommon for a Captain is jumping to decisions before listening. He wanted to arrest the Corporal for saying the truth in front of General Middleton. “‘That’s done it! That insubordination by heaven! I’ll have you court-martialled and broken, Snell’... ‘Sergeant Major, arrest that man and take him away’... ‘But Sir!’ Lashbrooke rushed to the General and seized the horse