[Frustrated by the conduct of the other officers, and the poor condition for the regular troops in this war.]
“Everyone in Northern Morocco knew that many of the Spanish officers spent their time whoring and gambling in Melilla, Ceuta and Larache; knew what happened to the stores, and the fate of the men's pay. Some officers never saw their regiments, but contented themselves with parading like peacocks through the streets, while the half-starved youths of Spain in shoddy, torn clothes wandered miserably through the Riff hills. Not knowing where they were going, or even why they were engaged in this fantastic adventure. Their one desire was to return to Spain and their own homes. - Captain F.H Mellor”