Great War subalterns were mocked and satirised, then and now, as enthusiastic and patriotic but naïve and ignorant public school boys. They led gallantly from the front, looking after their men, but with few tactical responsibilities and little autonomy. Later, the platoon became the key tactical attack unit, a flexible group of specialists with real discretion on the battlefield. So how did the Young Gentlemen of 1914/15 change into the pivotal battlefield mangers of 1917/18?
Fraser is former TA officer and the author of 'Massacre on the Marne' (Pen & Sword, 2007) the history of the 2/5th Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment. He specialises in the development of infantry tactics and patrolling and has written articles and given talks to many WFA branches and conferences over the last 20 years. Now retired, he is researching the engagement at Bourlon Wood in 1917 and the development of junior officer tactical training and its impact on battlefield success.