Act II, Scene 2
The Colonel arrives to inform Stanhope that Raleigh and Osborne will participate in an imminent raid on the Germans.
Hibbert wants to leave
An officer called Hibbert tells Stanhope that he is suffering from neuralgia - shooting facial pain - and can no longer cope. Stanhope will not allow him to go sick and threatens execution for desertionThe act of leaving a post without permission, usually with no intention to return. In the army desertion is illegal. if he does.
Eventually Stanhope - using the powers of persuasion and leadership that the officers respect him for - convinces Hibbert to stay.
A risky raid
Osborne seems resigned to his fate, but he and Trotter express their disapproval of the timing of the raid. Raleigh on the other hand is unaware of the extreme danger and looks forward to the excitement of battle.