British Army 'Whats changed'.

Posts : 600 Join date : 2013-09-18 Location : West Country

I'm interested in the daily living conditions of a British soldiers serving in the rank and file. I want to understand what life was like as a Victorian soldier and the type of training that they did. I served in the army myself in the late seventies (Light Infantry) and life could be harsh at times. I had to learn everything the army way, get something wrong and you were on 'RPs' restricted privileges, NCOs would also give you a slap if you really messed up. The man to be feared was the CSM. Army food wasn't bad but you couldn't eat army ration biscuits because they were rock hard. I suppose what I really want to know is 'are there any comparison between my army experience and the Victorian soldier'.

and finally, can anyone suggest a book that would give me some insight into this subject.

Kind regards

Waterloo50

Subject: British Army ' What's Changed ? ' Wed Apr 08, 2015 11:51 pm

Hi Waterloo50
I think , possibly , the best book which covers all the ' different ' types of questions is Ian Knights ' Companion To The Anglo Zulu War ' . It an A-Z , with all things in between , ie Page 83 - 86 Food ( British ) Page 86 - 88 Food ( zulu ) . Page 199-201 Tactics ( British ) page 201 - 204 Tactics ( British ) . There are also extremely hard to find books like ' Field Excercises of the British Army ' or similar title , which I've seen all the way through the 19th Cent , unfortunately I
dont have one , I'm looking for the 1877 Edition which is wxpensive when it's available , I think I did see one which was on a CD on ebay a month or so ago ? . I think Paul Laband has something similar , I have it , but havent had a chance to look at it , it's on my list to read , I'm not home so cant check for you , will check it out later today if I dont forget to do so Salute

90th

Subject: British Army What's Changed Thu Apr 09, 2015 11:14 am

Hi Waterloo , The Laband The A-Z of the Zulu Wars isnt really what you would be looking for .
Something like these publications maybe what you are seeking ?

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Cheers 90th You need to study mo

Posts : 600 Join date : 2013-09-18 Location : West Country

Many thanks 90th, you've been a great help.

Kind regards

Waterloo50

Subject: Re: British Army 'Whats changed'. Thu Apr 09, 2015 5:01 pm

"“The bible on the subject is a rare copy (in my possession) of the booklet titled “Regulations Field Forces South Africa 1878 by Command of Lieutenant General Lord Chelmsford C.B. published in Pietermaritzburg, November 1878.
It covers everything (Encampments, Commissariat, Transport, Ordnance Store, Field Hospitals, Sanitary Precautions, Postal Arrangements, Horses, Sick Horses, Remount Depot, and Natal Native Contingent.
It seems to be the work of Bellairs, D.A.G.”

Posted on behalf of the well known Zulu War Historian & Author. Peter Quantrill.

Subject: British Army ' What's Changed ' ? Fri Apr 10, 2015 2:23 am

Hi Pete / PQ
I think I'd like a copy of that ! Very Happy

.
90th

Subject: British Army ; '' What's Changed '' ? Fri Apr 10, 2015 2:26 am

No worries Waterloo50 , happy to have been of some help . Very Happy

90th

Posts : 629 Join date : 2009-01-20 Age : 43

In a nut shell, nothing has changed.

Posts : 600 Join date : 2013-09-18 Location : West Country

Hi sas1

Nothings changed...still spit and polish, followed by lots of running and 'Marching up and down the square.'

Posts : 600 Join date : 2013-09-18 Location : West Country

Hi Pete/PQ

I agree with 90th, would like a copy of that.

Regards Waterloo50