Army Reforms

Question 1

Duke Of York Reforms (1796)

Answer 1

Flanders campaign made clear change was needed - officer training college
Better pay
Slightly less punishment
Light Infantry regiments - used by Wellington

Question 2

Palmerston Reforms (1855)

Answer 2

Gets rid of the commiserate - army now in control of its own funding
Creates specific army departments such as medical transport
Education requirements
Best he could do under Conservative gov

Question 3

Cardwell Reforms

Answer 3

Cardwell forced to make changes to keep pace with the Prussians
Also because there’s delayed problems from Crimea
1870-72
Army appear more appealing to fix recruitment; reduces punishment by banning flogging during peacetime and abolishing branding
Abolishes tricking people to join the army
After Cardwell only people who want to be in the army are there
Reduces the length of service to 12 years; 6 years at home, 6 away
Also makes it so that no one is sent overseas for 6-12 months consecutively
Cardwell abolishes purchase system completely
Long term importance of Cardwell was there was more recruitment for Boer War

Question 4

Haldane Reforms

Answer 4

1906-1912
Quality over quantity - created the BEF British Expeditionary Force and Territorial Army.
Created OTC - encapsulated the cadet corps of all 3 services - pushed for next gen of officers to be trained - 20,000 school boys enrolled
Only had a budget of £28 million
Re organisation of the war office
Got best rifles SMLEs - LEE ENFIELD rifle.

Question 5

Elgin Report and Esher Committee 1904

Answer 5

Found issues of the Boer War and led to Haldanes reforms

Esher committee recommended removing Lord Roberts as commander in chief