The Genius of Doctrine

Brigadier James Cook OBE illustrates how the evolution of British Army doctrine helped secure Allied victory in the First World War.

The Western Front presented many challenges, in terms of firepower and mechanisation, that were beyond the military doctrine of the day. Victory would depend on the leadership of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) learning to harness all the attributes at their disposal.

The Army’s fighting capability was articulated in its doctrine, which then formed the basis for the training of its men. The process started with the recording of lessons. These were then selected and codified into doctrine, before being disseminated through the schools system.

The BEF was transformed through its formal process of learning. As a result, it was able to deliver more combat power, more of the time, which ultimately unhinged the enemy.

In this insightful talk, Brigadier James Cook will outline how mundane doctrine underpinned the Allies’ ultimate success on the Western Front, allowing the more glamorous factors of leadership, technology and luck to bring about victory in November 1918.