Army Reforms - Haldane Reforms Flashcards
What Lessons were learnt from the Boer War?
60% of lower class volunteers were rejected from army service showing the generally poor health of the nation.
It witnessed the transition from colonial warfare to modern warfare however, despite this the Conservatives refused to carry out significant reform.
What was the Elgin Report?
It was a commission into the performance of the armed forces in the Boer war and was released in 1904. It identified the need for prior planning as well as the need for a trained reserve as the army had quickly ran out of trained soldiers leaving the mainland exposed. However, the Conservatives did very little.
What did the Esher Committee recommend?
It recommended that there should be a clean sweep of the war office such as the removal of Roberts who was deemed as too old.
An army council should be established modelled on the admirality and a committee should be established to deal with defence.
Prime Minister Balfour accepted these proposals.
What new threat had emerged?
In 1904 the British signed an Entente with France making the traditional enemies formal allies in turn Germany became the largest threat was building up their navy extensively. Lord Haldane set out to reform the army but with a very limited budget as the Liberal Government wanted to carry out welfare reforms.
How was Haldane able to convince Parliament to vote in favour of the reforms?
He established that he wanted to keep the budget limited but still make the armed forces into an effective striking force. Not only was the possibility of war with Germany increasing but they also needed to defend the empire.
What budget did the Liberal Government allocate to Haldane?
They provided him with a budget of £28 million which enabled for welfare reforms. Haldane successfully stayed within this budget.
What did Haldane envision for the army?
He wanted a two line army in which there would be an expeditrounar force made up of 250’000 active soldiers and a territorial force made up of 250’000 volunteers, militiamen and yeomanry. He wanted a professional reserve to supplement the BEF.
When was the Territorial Reserve Created?
It was created by the reserve forces act 1907 and by 1913 had 240’000 soldiers.
What did Haldane do in regards to officers?
He created the Officer Training Corp which encapsulated the cadets of the three forces, by 1914 the OFC had 20’000 students.
Why was the OFC created?
It improved the experience of officers meaning that if a war did break out the army would have competent officers leading it at all levels.
Who did Haldane put in charge of Military Training?
Haldane made General Douglas Haig the Director of Military Training. He sought to improve efficiency and preparedness by devising training schemes and holding regular large scale manoeuvres.
Who did Haldane put in charge of operations?
He put Henry Wilson in charge as Director of Military Operations. He was tasked with creating a mobilisation plans, such as railway timetables and shipments to the BEF.
In what ways did Haldane work to improve command?
- He created the army council which was designed for policy creation and increasing parliamentary control.
- He created the General Staff.
- He abolished the position of Commander in chief.
- Creation of the Office of Chief of the Imperial General Staff.
- ReOrganisation of the war office.
How did Haldane improve the medical situation?
He reorganised the Royal Army Medical Corps and field ambulance services so that soldiers would receive medical care more quickly.
