Much of the 'Verbal Abuse' meted out by C/NC Officers of the British army (in the old days
) to their subalterns or lower ranks, was far more hurtful than 'Physical Abuse' and I am sure that there are those among us who have suffered (or inflicted) such abuse during their military training BUT, not to the extent that 'Suicide' was the only answer.
The purpose of 'Verbal Abuse' was to de-humanise rather than insult the recipient, the result being that the lower rank became more fearful of his superior than of his enemy in a combat situation.
How else could you explain the 'Over the Top' escapades of WW1 ?.
A 'Good Hiding' never done anyone much harm BUT, a 'Good Verballing' can have disastrous after effects even leading to 'Suicide' in extreme cases.
Fortunately , most of the 'Old Timers' are still with us, even trotting around with young birds (by all accounts).
