“And the platoon is the truly characteristic component of an army; it is the lowest unit habitually commanded by a commissioned officer; it is the real and essential fighting unit, whose action conditions that of the other arms and formations; it is a little world in which the relations between the led and the leader,… Read More
“[Major‐General Sir Harry] Smith attacked with infantry and drove [the Sikhs] out of All despite stubborn counterattacks. With strong cavalry and artillery support, the British rolled up the Sikh line and Smith, leading the last charge in person, drove them headlong over the difficult ford of the broad Sutlej. The Duke of Wellington told the… Read More
“The Strands of War are four in number, … I. The quality and capability of the commander. II. The quality and capability of the troops. III. Morale. IV. Resources.” Lieutenant Colonel A.H. Burne, DSO, RA (Retired), The Art of War on Land (1944) Alfred Higgins Burne D.S.O., C.I.E., O.B.E., F.S.A. (1886-1959) was a British Army… Read More
“My Lord, if I attempted to answer the mass of futile correspondence which surrounds me, I should be debarred from the serious business of campaigning … So long as I retain an independent position, I shall see no officer under my command is debarred by attending to the futile drivelling of mere quill‐driving from attending… Read More
How to Sack a Divisional Commander: Tewksbury, 4 May 1471; “Lord Winlock not having advanced to the support of the first line, but remaining stationary, contrary to the expectationsof Somerset, the latter, in a rage, rode up to him, reviled him, and beat his brains out with an axe.” Max Hastings (1985) from The Oxford… Read More
“In one attack our company commander, Bertinck, falls. He was one of those superb front-line officers who are foremost in every hot place.” E.M. Remarque (1898 to 1970), from All Quiet on the Western Front Erich Maria Remarque, pseudonym of Erich Paul Remark, was a German novelist who is chiefly remembered as the author of… Read More
“The leader must understand the effects of combat isolation. The leader should give clear orders on the action they consider appropriate. Absence of orders will further demoralise the soldiers.” Unknown
Boot Camp & Military Fitness Institute 