Kenneth E. Schneck of Fort Macleod, Alta., writes about being on parade.

“We were preparing for a parade at Aldershot, England, some time in 1943.  Shiny brass, polished boots and Blanco’d equipment were all essential of course.  We would Blanco, let it dry and brush it off, producing a choking dust.

“We were at open order and the inspecting officers were going down the front rank.  One stopped and asked a private. ‘If you were in action and the enemy came at you with bayonets, just what would you do?’

“The private replied: ‘Well, sir, I would shake myself and disappear in a cloud of Blanco.’”