Most of the Work, Most of the Blame, None of the Credit. Platoon Commanders in the Great War

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 managers of 1917/18?

The speaker, Fraser Skirrow, is a former TA officer, and author of 'Massacre on the Marne', 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.

All are welcome to attend this event, and everyone is guaranteed a warm welcome with the doors opening at 6.30pm ready for a 7pm start.