British Army preparedness for war

Question 1

The influence of Wellington?

Answer 1

W (commander in chief 1827-8 & 1854-52) exercised massive infl. over military affairs
- believed past army tactics = continuing success
- & that reforms were merely demands for cuts in military spending

Question 2

The military commanders?

Answer 2

Lord Raglan (head of Br expeditionary force)
- in P wars but no active service since 1815 & had never commanded an army
- only 1 of R’s 5 infantry divisional commanders were under 60
- chief engineer Sir John Burgoyne was 72
- only 2 div comm had led anything larger than a battalion into action

• altho there were signs of growing professionalism among officer corps BUT buying commissions = wealth>ability

Question 3

Military administration?

Answer 3

secretary of state for war & the colonies
+ secretary-at-war
+ commander-in-chief
+ adjutant general
+ quartermaster-general
+ home secretary
+ ordnance office
+ commissariat
= this cumbersome structure produced delays & inertia

Question 4

The problem of manpower?

Answer 4

poor conditions of service meant the army had difficulty attracting sufficient recruits:
- most barracks were overcrowded & insanitary
- soldiers’ pay was poor
- service overseas exacted a heavy toll in life & health
- soldiers could still be flogged for a variety of ‘crimes’
- infantry served for 21 years & calvary 24 years

Question 5

The situation by 1854?

Answer 5

bc major european war unexpected = little thought given to staff work & administrative co-ordination

BUT 1854 army expected to achieve a quick, comprehensive victory over Russia
= tribute to professionalism/bravery army fought as well as it did

Question 6

What equipment advantage did the Br/Fr have over the Russians?

Answer 6

infantry armed w rifled muskets
= huge advantage for Br troops

Br Enfield rifle was accurate at 400+ yards
+ new Fr Minie Rifle was muzzle loading & had 3x the range of Russian muskets
vs.
Russians muskets effect under 100yds