"We are strapped for cash these days, it's one greatcoat to 5 troops, and each one gets issued with 5 rounds and a rifle between them... someone at the MOD had seen Enemy at the Gate apparently and thought it an ideal way to save money."
Luxury! My dad did his national service in Singapore in 1947/8 i.e. during the Malayan Emergency. He always told me that their, unfenced, platoon sleeping accommodation was guarded by one small terrier dog. The nearby, fenced, stores hut was guarded by armed Ghurkas of whom he always spoke ith the greatest respect.