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Western Mail, Thursday 14 September 1933, page 2
'Arf a Mo!
Many of the personnel of the Tanks, as of other newly formed units, had no love of “spit and polish" side of soldiering, and required tactful handling. One such, Major Z, was known and greatly loved throughout the whole corps. He had gained the D.S.O. in the South African War, and a-bar in-the Great War, besides the M.C. Yet his favourite boast: was that he was not a soldier!
Major Z had great contempt for pomp and ceremony, and was very eccentric in his dress. He habitually went about in a private's tunic and slacks, no puttees, "ration" boots, a long, heavy piece of wood as a staff, and his pipe, which was always in his mouth, tied up with insulating tape. He was once invited to dinner by the G.O.C. Second Corps. To the amazement of everyone he did not make any change in his usual garb for the occasion. He sat next to the general, and when his host took out his cigarette case and offered it he said: "No, thank you, sir; if you don't mind I'll have one of these." He then took a packet of “’Arf a mo’s” from his pocket, took one out and lighted it.
The gilded staff wilted, but the general smiled. He happened to be one who did not judge by appearances!