The British Officer: Leading the Army from 1660 to the present

by Anthony Clayton

An Army officer must lead men into frightening and dangerous situations and sometimes make them do things that they never thought they could do. This book recounts how British officers have led their men, and commanded their respect, from the days of Marlborough to the Second Iraq war of 2003. Anthony Clayton explores who the officers, men and now women, have been and are, where they came from, what ideals or traditions have motivated them, and their own perceptions of themselves. His account tells the fascinating story of how the role of the military officer evolved, illustrated by a selection of captivating images, and the personal memoirs, biographies and autobiographies of officers.

Genres: History, Military Fiction, Nonfiction, Military History

374 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2005

About the author

Anthony Clayton was Senior Lecturer at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst from 1965 until 1994. One of Britain's leading military historians, he earned a Diploma in French from the University Paris in 1947, a Master of Arts in History from the University St. Andrews in 1951, and a Doctor of Philosophy in History from the University St. Andrews in 1970. He was made a Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Palmes Academiques in 1988 in recognition of his expertise in French military history.

Reviews

[Alex]

A fascinating and easily readable history of the Regimental Officer in the British Regular Army from 1660 to the present day.
As well as being a thoroughly well researched history, it also presents little titbits of history which are fascinating - officers being forbidden from shaving the upper lip, for instance.
Throughout there is a definite aim to stick closely to the aim and only regular regimental officers are really considered, although there are passing references to the much increased numbers during the world wars and national service.
An excellent book - the be recommended, especially for the way it places the current (from 2000) emphasis on Values and Standards into a historical context explained in light of changes in society.