Requirement for and Subsequent Development of a Training Scheme for the Officersand Staff of the British Army 1799-1858

摘要

This study is an historical analysis of the military training scheme for Britishofficers which was proposed by Major General John Gaspard Le Marchant in 1798 and adapted by the British Army in 1799. It examines the social and political climate of the time and discusses the organisation of the Army at the start of the nineteenth century. The influence of senior military leaders, the Government and the crown during the formative years is investigated in detail. The employment of staff in war is also described. Some conclusions that may be drawn from this study are: the scheme was pro-active during a time of reform; the influence of government ministers was intrusive; the momentum gained during the first fifteen years was lost from 1815-1854; the Crimean War showed the inadequacies of the military planning staff; the scheme was successful in achieving the aims set by Le Marchant. The study concludes that Le Marchant's proposals, modified by the Military Committee in 1980, were sound. Military eduction should be broad-based. Keywords: Military Forces (Foreign); Great Britain; Army personnel; Office personnel; Army training; Theses; History. (RWJ)