Another book from my library which I picked up second hand some years ago. Originally published in 1981 it describes the British Army of the Victorian/Edwardian era.
I can do no better than quote from the introduction in outlining the contents; "a profile of the army as it existed prior to the Great War, its attitudes, customs, pleasures, way of life, its character and its mannerisms, its opinions and prejudices."
This book is not a history or a campaign narrative but focuses on the day to day existence of the army as a "social institution prepared for every emergency except that of war." Apart from a fascinating content also included is a complete list of every regiment giving its original number and later post-Cardwell title in order of precedence, a very useful reference.
Unlike other such works on the British Army, this one really does illustrate life as it was for both officers and men. Subjects addressed include the regimental system, origins of officers and men, discipline, education and training, reforms, dependants and the rewards of soldering. Other interesting chapters cover the unique relationship between men and officers and the origins of the many strange customs and characteristics of some regiments.
Overall a very interesting and illuminating book that vividly illustrates the "small, odd, rather absurd British Army" and as such is highly recommended.
"A social institution prepared for every emergency except that of war."
ReplyDeleteWell I think that sums up the army of the period very neatly indeed. OK for policing the so called 'restless natives', but not much else. Having read a book on some of the pre-WWI army manoeuvres by most of the protagonists, I was amazed at how unrealistic they were for the most part. Little surprise that the War turned out how it did really:(.
Hi Steve...Yes this book shows very clearly how unwarlike the army was prior to 1914, as you say, just a colonial police force really. That said I don't think any European army was really prepared for what actually happened hence the dreadful losses in those early days from mass frontal assaults. Regards
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