Observations On National Defence, And On The Means Of Rendering More Effective The Volunteer Force Of Great Britain - Softcover

Great Britain

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0371336139 ISBN 13: 9780371336137

Publisher: HardPress, 2019

Synopsis

Observations On National Defence, And On The Means Of Rendering More Effective The Volunteer Force Of Great Britain by Great Britain. This 1805 tract analyzes Britain's defensive position in the face of Napoleonic threats and argues that peace overtures cannot curb a potential invasion. It examines how the French army achieved early successes through disciplined organization and strategic use of reserves, while highlighting Britain's naval superiority and the need to coordinate land defenses. The author proposes concrete reforms: convert small volunteer corps into light infantry, improve drilling and uniformity, train to fight in open country and close in on an enemy with bayonets, increase and modernize horse artillery, and appoint an Inspector General of Volunteers to unify training. The work emphasizes understanding both enemy and own forces, stresses speed, efficiency, and leadership, and advocates bold measures to ensure the volunteers and militia are capable of defending Britain when invasion threatens. It cites historical examples, including Moreau, Pichegru, Suwarow, to illustrate principles of discipline, initiative, and offensives.

Edition details

• Publisher: HardPress
• Publication date: 2019
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0371336139
• ISBN 13: 9780371336137
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 36