The Glorious Loyalty Oath Crusade

Captain Black's campaign to force loyalty oaths, disrupting squadron operations until Major -- de Coverley ends it.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Captain Black's resentment

The Spark The Disappointment Captain Black expected to be squadron commander after Major Duluth's death. When Major Major is appointed, Black is furious. He decides to prove his patriotism by demanding loyalty oaths. The First Oath Black makes every man who comes to his intelligence tent sign a loyalty oath. He refuses to let Major Major sign. The crusade begins. The Spread Other officers follow suit. Soon, men must sign oaths for everything: parachutes, trucks, pay, haircuts. The squadron grinds to a halt.

The crusade escalates

The Competition Multiple Oaths Black introduces multiple oaths, the pledge of allegiance, and the national anthem. He competes with other officers to show the most loyalty. The men are harassed constantly. The Effect on Missions Piltchard and Wren struggle to get crews airborne. Men are tied up signing oaths. Missions are delayed. The crusade threatens combat effectiveness. The Resistance Milo and Doc Daneeka initially resist but are pressured by Black's threats. The crusade becomes a reign of terror.

Major -- de Coverley ends it

The End of the Crusade The Return Major -- de Coverley returns with an injured eye. He enters the mess hall and demands food. Corporal Snark offers him a loyalty oath. Major -- de Coverley sweeps it away. The Command He roars "Gimme eat!" and then "Give everybody eat!" Milo echoes the order. The crusade collapses instantly. No one dares defy Major -- de Coverley. The Aftermath Captain Black is disillusioned but claims victory. The crusade ends, but its memory lingers. It shows how easily patriotism can be twisted into oppression.

After Major Major becomes squadron commander

During the height of the loyalty oath period

When Major -- de Coverley returns from Rome