attributes & the theatre of war

[sunjuvo]

Hi.

***The quotation;
Conan doyle ignored his mother. He did not always agree with her and they could at times quarrel heatedly when they met but, ultimately, she usually won. On this occasion, she did not. It was probably the only time in his life he disobeyed his mother's wish over a matter of true gravity. In his reply, he stated, 'I learned patriotism from my mother, so you must not blame me.' It was, he told her, his duty to volunteer. He had said as much in a letter to the Times, advocating the drafting of all men who could ride and shoot, attributes he believed (quite rightly) would be much needed in the African theatre of war. ***

My question is about 'attributes' in the last sentence. What did Conan Doyle mean by 'attributes'? Men as just tools for the war? Or any war needs men either as the subject or the object?
Would you please help me?
Thanks.

sunjuvo

 

[Casiopea]

It was, he told her, his duty to volunteer. He had said as much in a letter to the Times, advocating the drafting of all men who could ride and shoot, attributes he believed (quite rightly) would be much needed in the African theatre of war.

They were losing the war. They needed "...men who could ride and shoot". These were "attributes" the men would need if they were going to win/live through the Boer war. Doyle was speaking as a doctor.

Conan Doyle, author of the Sherlock Holmes mysteries was the model for his own character "Dr. Watson." He served as a physician in the Boer War (1899--1902), and his pamphlet, The War in South Africa (1902), earned him a knighthood (1902), hence the title Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

http://www.pinetreeweb.com/conan-doyle-chapter-00.htm

 

[RonBee]

He had said as much in a letter to the Times, advocating the drafting of all men who could ride and shoot, attributes he believed (quite rightly) would be much needed in the African theatre of war. ***

My question is about 'attributes' in the last sentence. What did Conan Doyle mean by 'attributes'?

Attributes are characteristics, or abilities. Doyle was referring to the abilities to ride and to shoot.

 

[sunjuvo]

I really appreciate your helps, Casiopea and Ronbee.

 

[RonBee]

I really appreciate your helps, Casiopea and Ronbee.

You're quite welcome.

(Say: help or advice but not helps or advices)

:hi: