The military and reasons for change

Why did basic organisational system of the army persist until 20th century?

it was effective, worked well and known within army

what were the drawbacks of the 1790 system?

was over complicated with dutys being split between departments and unclear responsibilities

what problems with organisation were highlighted by Crimea?

slow communication between supply officer and army

poor leadership

ordinary soldiers still attended duties

commissariat being out of touch with general army

what problems with ordnance and supplies were exposed by Crimea?

transporting of men and supplies difficult

lack of food

slow distribution of supplies

lack of medical supplies and prep

why were so many problems exposed in crimea?

first war with news seen by public
telegraph
front line journalists - wide access

what were the McNeill McTulluch Reforms 1855-56?

a report focusing on diet and supply of food, and another on supply of equipment and medical situation
caused an outcry when published, creating reforms.

what were the findings of McNeill-Tulloch?

majority of casualties from disease
poor health due to lack of fresh food
army slow to distribute supplies from balaclava

what action was taken in response to McNeill-Tulloch?

commisariat and army took more responsiblity for ancillary services: commissariat given to war office from treasury.

gov’t took more oversight in army - public lost interest in reform

why was reform of army borough about again in 1868?

PM Gladstone placed priority on efficiency but also removing artificial barriers to progress eg commission purchase (like Prussians)

what reforms were brought in 1868-1874?

Cardwell Army reforms

what did Cardwell reforms do?

reorganised war office with duty division clear

shortened enlistment terms

linked battalion with area (like Prussian)

flogging in peacetime abolished

bounty money to join abolished

1871 commission purchasing abolished

what organisational issues did the Boer war show?

systems to fight no longer up to task - changing warfare

slow moving regimented columns in comparison to fast paced Boers

big army v farmers

what ordnance and supply issues exposed by Boer?

inefficient supply networks (over reliance)

poor conditions for soldiers

substandard equipment

Which reforms came after Boer War?

Haldane Army Reforms 1905-12

How did Haldane effect organisation?

better defined roles- abolished commander in chief instead cheif of general staff to oversee planning and strategy

created BEF- permeant battle ready force - 150,000 men, 6 infantry, 1 heavy cavalry, 2 light

territorial army - replace militia and volunteers

How did Haldane effect training?

new drill books

military training base

manuals which lay staff responsibility

250 bullets for training a year

criteria for reforms?

scale

overall manpower

training and tactics