RAT5
160
The Ypres Times.
Those of us who know to what extent red tape can be stretched, will appreciate
the following dossier, which appears in the life of Lord Moulton
The first document in the dossier is dated January 1, 1918. It reads thus
D.E.O.S.
With reference to B.M.Q.M.G.7 11,683, twelve special rats were obtained for
the chemical shell store, and authority is now requested, please, for an expenditure
of 3d. per week per rat for maintenance, as besides being kept alive they must always
be in good condition to satisfactorily serve the purpose for which they were provided.
(Sgd.) For D.D.O.S., W.A.
This request was apparently passed on to Q.M.G.F.a. for Any Remarks." The
only remarks that department had to make came back ten days later, in this form
Q.M.G.7C (through Q.M.G.6)
18/1/18.
No objection to necessary expenditure within 3d. a week a rat. We havejno
information as to cost, but should have thought it might be les;.
(Sgd.) Q.M.G.F.a.
With this hint on economy, the estimate for the rats' board bill was approved and
passed on to
D.D.O.S.
Expenditure up to 3d. per week per rat approved. You will no doubt take
steps to see that the establishment is not unduly increased.
(Sgd.)for D.E.O.S.
But apparently this latter instruction was disregarded, to judge from an explanation
a month later
D.E.O.S.
Noted. 12 rats were originally purchased, but the stock shortly increased to 34,
of which 6 were sent to a Trench Warfare Filling Factory and 3 destroyed, leaving
a total of 25.
In view of the Chemical Shell Store at Gatwick shortly opening, it would be
a pity to destroy these rats, as at least a dozen will be required for Gatwick.
It is therefore considered necessary to keep a stock of 30 rats at Woolwich and
Gatwick, i.e., 18 Woolwich (including reserve of 6) and 12 at Gatwick. Any surplus
above this n mber will be sold if possible, and profit credited to Rat Fund, or else
destroyed.
Authority is requested for the above establishment to be maintained.
(Sgd.)for D.D.O.S.
Woolwich Arsenal.
Then comes
Subject to your concurrence it is proposed to authorise what D.D.O.S. propose.
Concur
(Sgd.)D.A.D.E.O.S.
To this laconic question, the Quartermaster-General's department replied
We have no objection. No doubt care will be taken to avoid any unnecessary
expenditure on food where the rats could be fed on stale bread, etc., which might
otherwise be thrown away.
(Sgd.)Q.M.G.F.a.
