Respect is the Thing Most Worth Fighting for in 'World on Fire' Season 2's Mid-Point

World on Fire’s Season 2 mid-point picks up in Libya, where Harry rejoins his regiment. The Seige of Tobruk is getting dire, with control of Alexandria and Suez and supply routes to Britain at stake, and Churchill himself has ordered that positions must be held. Captain Briggs orders Harry to join the Australian troops and Rajib to lay a tactical minefield. Rajib suggests laying a standard formation since the Germans are familiar with a tactical minefield. Briggs dismisses his suggestion. Stan is dubious, but Harry tells him their main goal will be to take out German infantry, not mess with tanks. Briggs’ dismissive attitude angers Rajib, and one of his men tells him it is an insult to them all.

Rajib: “We have always thought that the English, with their famous decency, will reward our loyal service, but our loyal service does not merit a salute.”

As Rajib reads a letter from home, an Australian offers him a cigarette, a Navy Cut, standard issue for white officers, and yet another reminder that Indian soldiers are considered inferior. He bitterly comments that he’s fighting for England and India, but he’s losing on all fronts. Briggs tells Rajib he and his men should set a standard minefield, as Rajib initially recommended. He’s angered by the disrespect he and his sappers receive despite the danger of their work. He salutes Briggs and waits for a response since, as an officer, he’s technically due one in return. Rajib’s men watch, and Briggs orders them to stand down. But they don’t move, and he instructs Rajib to discipline them.