Is it the fault of Hollywood or something else but a lot of civilians don’t understand that war is all about kill or be killed and it is a definite bonus to tilt that ratio to your own benefit whenever and however you can. War has nothing to do with with polite knights and some fantasy of chivalry. That is why soldiers took the collapsible field shovels (“entrenching tools”) they were issued and sharpened their edges into blades. If a soldier does not do that he or she is depriving themselves of a weapon that just might save them in a tight spot.
As for a reputation as being brutal and unrelenting warriors, it is that reputation that could (and did for the Canadians in WWI) result in bloodless victories. The term “shock trooper” was first coined by the Germans in WWI to describe the Canadians, who reduced their casualties because at times the Germans would avoid contact rather than engage.
Check out the 3 part series “Far From Home” for a look at the experiences of the Canadian Expeditionary Force in World War I.
And just btw, those who believe that they can set rules for war are well intentioned fools. Since it first began war has always had one and only one rule: victory. If you don’t intend to win, don’t waste lives by even getting started.
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