Bredth Study - Military Reforms Flashcards
1
Q
Regimental System
A
- Failed to attract new recruits, army career unattractive.
- Struggle to advance career and commissions had to be purchased.
- Meritocracy gaining favor however.
2
Q
Duke of York Reforms
A
- 1795 to 1811 & 1811-20.
- Voluntary to join army until WW1, needed to make career more attractive.
- Conditions more bearable: rations and barracks were improved and penal code less brutal.
- Sandhurst Military Academy to help train new officers.
- Standard drills and manoeuvres introduced made training quicker and soldiers from different units fought better together.
- Tried to reduce purchasing of commissions - free commissions based on merit increased. Certain ranks couldn’t be bought without proven military experience.
3
Q
McNeill Tulloch Report Findings
A
- 2 stages, 06/1855 + 01/1856.
- Found death, disease > combat.
- Caused by lack of fresh food and water, mostly due to poor distribution.
- Army short of medical supplies.
- 10/12/1954, limes (prevent scurvy) landed in Balaclava, but only distributed in 02/1955.
- Lack of feed, 40% horses died winter.
4
Q
McNeill Tulloch Implemented Change
A
- Criticized supply and logistical solutions in the Crimea, blamed leadership.
- Caused a shift in control of army.
- Power in army was focused under government rather than the monarchy.
- Rum —> porter, more iron.
5
Q
Why were Cardwell Reforms Introduced
A
- Generals favored tradition, didn’t want reform. Argued aristocracy produced Wellington, but now Lucan + Nolan.
- Cardwell Secretary of War, European armies growing whilst England had only 125k active soldiers.
- Economic prosperity meant recruitment was poor.
- Army life was harsh + demanding, flogging and branding still forms of punishment.
- Promotion system flawed. Officers paid for higher ranks, other European armies focused on meritocracy. Average ranks cost £450, average working man earned £40 a year.
6
Q
Cardwell Reforms Changes
A
- 1868 to 1874.
- 1868, flogging banned.
- 1871, branding abolished.
- Purchasing of commissions was abolished.
- Self governing dominions (Aussie, NZ) responsible for own security, 26k British troops returned (1871).
- 1870, £2m invested to pay for 20k troops
- Army Enlistment Act (1870). 12yrs serving –> 6yrs in active duty + 6yrs in reserves, 21yrs service = pension.
7
Q
Cardwell Reforms Effectiveness
A
- Took time to implement as culture changed.
- Army = attractive career in economy uncertainty (1870s).
- Soldiers pay still low. 75% of pay went to food, fuel and clothing.
- Meritocracy only in WW1.
8
Q
Why were Haldane Reforms Introduced
A
- British army had proved cumbersome in SA, only won due to numbers + scorched earth policy.
- Turn of 20th century, warfare changing.
- New tech increased firepower.
- New Tactics.
Bright uniforms –> khaki/camo.
9
Q
Haldane Reforms
A
- 1905 - 1912.
- Re-organize army into fully professional expeditionary force (BEF)(deployed overseas) and a territorial force (volunteers, home defense).
- BEF investment budget - £28m.
- 1913, looked to have 312k men, but actually had 236k serving.
- 1914, 20k schoolboys + 5k undergraduates enrolled in Officer Training Corps. Following Army Order 178, standard set of regulations.