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On the back of a military handbook published by Gale & Polden, Aldershot, in 1896 I have just noticed an advertisement for "Captain Peacock's Military Novels". The listed titles are 'Military Crime or Broke', 'Ronald the Fusilier or Foes under One Flag', 'From Reveille to Lights Out or Lieutenant Lionel Tregarthen' and 'A Soldier and a Maid'. These are all offered at 1/- each or cloth bound 1/6d. I was about to laugh scornfully at these titles but then saw that the advertisement was supported by a quote from the Press, which reads; "Capt Peacock has long left behind Mr Rudyard Kipling and, with a little more practice, should match Mr Hawley Smart in depicting military life" (Madras Mail). Can anyone tell me anything about Capt Peacock and Mr Smart? Yours Sincerely, Roger Ayers Honorary Membership Secretary, The Kipling Society