'Developing a Meritocracy in the BEF' a talk by Dr Peter Hodgkinson

The British Army went to war with a cadre of officers who had been promoted largely on the basis of seniority. With the rapid promotion of junior officers and the influx of civilians, did a meritocracy establish itself? Taking the example of Infantry battalion COs, who were the men who commanded the infantry battalions of the BEF in 1918? What were their qualities?

Peter is a Clinical Psychologist, with an MA (2006) in First World War Studies at Birmingham University, and a PhD (2013) in Infantry Battalion Commanders. He is the author of eight books on various aspects of the First World War, including soldier resilience, 6th Infantry Division, and the Battle of the Selle.