Some time ago I read of an officer of the old 52nd who used to strop his razor fifty-two times every morning before shaving. In1881, when the Cardwell reforms took effect, the 52nd were linked with the 43rd. The officer concerned still stropped his razor fifty-two times but when he reached forty-three he turned his head to one side and spat. It is doubtful the author had ever heard this story because his version of the amalgamation speaks of brotherhood between the two regiments.Sir Henry Newbolt was a well-known literary figure of his time, poet, novelist, historian (he wrote the last two...