Meaning of The Night Patrol by Arthur Greame West

The Unflinching Reality of War: Unpacking the Meaning of "The Night Patrol" by Arthur Greame West

In "The Night Patrol", a powerful and haunting poem, Arthur Greame West paints a vivid picture of the brutal reality of war, exposing the physical and emotional toll it takes on those who fight. Through vivid imagery and sensory details, West masterfully captures the turmoil endured by soldiers on a dangerous mission, infiltrating enemy territory to gather crucial information.

Infiltrating Enemy Territory

The poem begins with a vivid description of the soldiers approaching the German barbed wire fence, "Over the top! The wire’s thin here, unbarbed / Plain rusty coils, not staked, and low enough." This opening lines immediately immerse the reader in the treacherous environment of the battlefield. The "wire" refers to the German barbed wire fences that act as a barrier, separating the enemy from the protagonist’s side. The absence of barbs and the low height indicate a vulnerability that suggests a potential opportunity for infiltration.

Navigating the Battlefield

As the soldiers approach the wire, they are advised to be cautious and avoid unnecessary risks. The instructions to "Aim quarter left for fifty yards or so, / Then straight for that new piece of German wire" reveal a tactical strategy to reach and observe the enemy’s wire undetected. This careful navigation is underscored by the "silence" of the soldiers, who descend into the battlefield with their "hands on the topmost sandbags". The "sodden ground" and "scattered remnants of the previous attack" create a somber atmosphere, highlighting the human cost of war.

The Scent of Death

The scent of death lingers continuously, described as a "vile sickly smell of rottenness." This "sickly smell" permeates the surroundings, merging with the earth and air, becoming an inescapable presence. The soldiers are both repulsed and fascinated by the various positions in which the corpses are frozen, not only for the purpose of avoiding them but also as a reminder of their own mortality.

A Somber Atmosphere

As the soldiers take cover behind a dead comrade, West masterfully juxtaposes the lifeless body with the soldiers pretending to be dead themselves, blurring the lines between ally and enemy, life and death. This act serves not only as a survival strategy but also as a commentary on the dehumanizing effect of war, where camaraderie and empathy are overshadowed by the instinct for self-preservation. The "vile smell" and the presence of death create a "somber atmosphere", underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Humanizing the Enemy

As the soldiers eavesdrop on the enemy’s activities, "shovels digging", "occasional conversation and coughing", these snippets of sound humanize the enemy and remind the readers that both sides are comprised of individuals who have been thrust into this harrowing conflict. This humanizing of the enemy underscores the complexity of war, where individuals are pitted against each other in a struggle that is as brutal as it is futile.

The Psychological Toll of War

As the mission progresses, the soldiers encounter danger in the form of gunfire and machine guns. The rapid turn of events heightens the tension, further emphasizing the "constant threat and uncertainty" that surround them. They cautiously navigate the battlefield, crawling silently amidst the fallen, their path illuminated only by "flares". The "rum" they receive upon returning to safety serves as a reminder of the fleeting respite and sense of relief in the midst of the horrors they have just witnessed.

Conclusion

In "The Night Patrol", Arthur Greame West skillfully captures the desolation, fear, and resilience of those caught up in the chaos of conflict, serving as a reminder of the human cost that accompanies the pursuit of victory. The poem is a "raw and unflinching portrayal" of the grueling experiences and psychological toll endured by soldiers in war. West’s masterful storytelling and vivid imagery draw the reader into the "treacherous environment of the battlefield", leaving an indelible mark on the reader’s understanding of the true horrors of war.

Watch Top 100 Songs in 2024