The Defence Of Duffer's Drift - A Lesson in the Fundamentals of Small Unit Tactics

by Ernest Dunlop Swinton

Book Overview

The Defence of Duffer's Drift is a work by Ernest Dunlop Swinton now brought to you in this new edition of the timeless classic. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1603861998
• ISBN13: 9781603861991
• Release Date: April 2009
• Publisher: Merchant Books
• Length: 72 Pages
• Weight: 3.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 7.5" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

What combat experience costs!

Hypothetical Lt Backsight Forethought has 50 men and a mission to hold a drift in South African territory during the Boer War of 1899-1902, and he starts his mission fresh from officer training and being totally unaware of the realities of combat. In the first trial he gets beaten really bad but he analyzes his faults and learn from them. He also gets beaten in his second, third, fourth and fifth trial, every time making different mistakes which the enemy does not forgive. Finally, when he has a sixth chance to re-fight the battle he puts up a splendid performance making his opponent to pay dearly and holding the drift until friendly reinforcements arrive. It is a very enjoyable little book and although it was written a hundred years ago it is still very useful for anyone who wants to learn about the core of tactical prowess in infantry battle.

Wonderful Snall Book on Tactics: Puts you in the Scenario

Swinton is a military professional with experience in the Boer War who wrote this famous short book based on a series of thoughts he had on how a infantry unit with only 50 men could defend a river crossing. A young Lieutenant has the role but you are given his perspective, the terrain features, the political situation, conflict with civilians and limits on your own military support. There is a brief history of the war with the "Dutch" and then your Lieutenant receives his assignment. With the use of maps, there are six scenarios of the Lieutenants approach to defending the crossing (drift). Each scenario is acted out and with each of the first five scenarios there are several lessons learned such as the effect of enfilading fire, the limitations of a simple trench, the use of the military crest versus being located on top of the hill, the effect the local sympathetic population may have on aiding guerrilla fighters, the effect of surprise, disguising your defense from view, proper posting of sentries and responsibilities, how to combat artillery, dealing with multiple directions of attack, using the terrain to advantage and on. As the Lieutenant in each scenario learns from his mistakes, he alters the outcome to his advantage but only incrementally. Only at the end and sixth scenario does he get it right but with realistic loss. The same map is introduced in each scenario with defense features matching the new defensive tactics. Fascinating book for all interested in basic infantry tactics, which has been used as a training manual for militaries world wide. This is a very readable book that can be read in less than 2 hours time. Applicable to any war but this book would be interesting to read with an account of Rappahannock Station, which was a spearhead position held by Confederates in advance of Lee's line on November 7, 1863 where Meade's forces overwhelmed the defenders and took almost 3,000 prisoners. Duffer's Drift would be very applicable here.

Best tactics primer

Incredible book. It's a terrific primer for junior officers and a light but powerful reminder of the basics for those of us who think we have a little more experience. Set in the Boer Wars, the lessons are still very timely and relevant today. Several times, I made this book recommended reading for my lieutenants. Read this and then come back and re-read it.

Not Just For Soldiers

While undoubtedly a must read for ground troops, you don't have to wear combat boots to enjoy The Defence of Duffer's Drift. If you enjoy problem solving, visualizing varied scenarios, and anticipating the next move, this book may be for you. It's well written in fluid, almost interactive, and easily understood language; you don't have to be a General or a military buff to immediately be enveloped by the dilemma at hand. You can finish the book in one sitting or ponder each chapter as if it were a game of chess. This is a rare type of book that can, and perhaps should, be enjoyed by almost everyone.

Clear principles of defensive operations vital to success

The experience through which Lieutenant Backsight Forethought goes lends great lessons to students of military leadership. Contained in the text of the book are numerous lessons learned by this junior officer while preparing to defend a small piece of land. The lessons he learns, although originally written in 1907, apply to today's army. As a matter of fact, the lessons LT Forethought learns compare remarkably to the nine Priniciples of War and five Fundamentals of Defensive Operations contained in US Army doctrine. This book provides an easy-to-read format for young officers and NCOs to learn and understand the significance of such principles. This is an outstanding book from which much can be learned!