During Raleigh's school years, Stanhope had been his hero. Stanhope had already won the Military Cross and had the experience of three years' war service, one year of which was as a company commander. His reputation stands high with his officers and men, and Raleigh hears many good comments about Stanhope being the best company commander in the battalion. Raleigh joined the company as a direct result of his school experience. He wanted to continue in the war the hero worship of Stanhope that he had indulged in at school. It was a natural development that the brilliant rugby captain and house prefect should become a splendid war hero. Osborne knew that Raleigh still saw Stanhope as a hero even though Stanhope himself could not believe or recognise it:

Osborne: Small boys at school often have their heroes.

Stanhope: Yes. Small boys at school do.

Osborne: Often it...