Reform In Recruitment And Training

Question 1

In c1700 Britain had a standing army but

Answer 1

The terms of services remain unchanged

Question 2

Recruitment problems in 1700- officers and promotion

Answer 2

The quality of officers was unreliable because commissions were linked social status rather than merit.High ranks were only given to nobility

Question 3

Recruitment problems in 1700- other ranks

Answer 3

These involved short enlistment of 8 -12 years or life (usually 21 years ) .Incentives included pay, bounties for life service and tavern recuitment

Question 4

Recruitment problems in 1700- numbers and discipline

Answer 4

The army still found it difficult to recruit enough men.In wartime, criminals and debtors were let out of prisons to fight.The quality of recruits was low and officers relied on hard disciplinary methods to keep contol

Question 5

Colonels regiments

Answer 5

To avoid unrest officers were paid to set up and equip new regiments.Regiments were created cheaply so they could make as much profit as possible

Question 6

1757 Militia Act

Answer 6

An overhaul of the assize of arms, men aged 18-50 were selected from every parish to serve in the local militia for five years

Question 7

Why did the 1757 militia Act lead to losses on the battlefield

Answer 7

Recruiting officers ignored age and fitness tests to get enough recruits.In the Boer War in 1899 many recruits were underfed and physically weak

Question 8

What led to a change in the army in 1700-1900

Answer 8

In 1868, William Gladstone’s government argued for army reforms.Gladstone was prepared to pass laws to enforce modernisation. He appointed Edward Cardwell as Secretary of State for War.Cardwell forced through a series of reforms against strong opposition

Question 9

Profssionalisation with the 1870 Army Act -

Answer 9

Lower ranks enlisted for 12 years.6 years in the army and 6 years as a reserve army.
Reserves were paid a daily rate and retrained each year.
After 12 years soldiers could resign or sign up for another 12 years with a pension

Question 10

What dis the 1870 Army act ensure

Answer 10

A constant supply of trained sodiers

Question 11

Regularisation - 1871 Regularisation of the Forces Act -

Answer 11

Every regiment had two linked battalions - one at home and one at broad.
Each regiments third battalion was made up of local militia
Additionally, rations improved

Question 12

Improved training after 1850

Answer 12

By 1860s more soldiers came into the army via the Royal Military College.
Artillery and engineers officers trained at Woolwich Royal Military Academy from 1741
Senior Department of the RMC trained existing officers.
In 1871 the sale of commisons ended.Promotions were only rewarded through merit.
Military schools opened at Hythe (1853 ) and nd Shoeburyness (1859) to train weapon instructors

Question 13

What is tavern recruitment

Answer 13

Men given drinks and then recruited

Question 14

Training in the c1700- c1850

Answer 14

1708- Duke of Malborough writes a manual tactics for officers but it is largely ignored.
1728-1851 George II issued regulations for the army but these are ignored