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The Defence of Duffer's Drift by Ernest…
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The Defence of Duffer's Drift (edition 1904)

by Ernest Dunlop Swinton, Lieutenant Backsight Forethought

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1863146,080 (4.02)2
First published in 1907, The Defence of Duffer's Drift is a classic essay on small unit tactics based on author Ernest Dunlop Swinton's experiences in the Boer War in South Africa. In a series of dreams, Swinton's character Lieutenant Backsight Forethought works through a number of possible approaches to defending a piece of land known as the Drift. Each time, he makes fatal errors, but with each successive dream, Forethought corrects his previous mistakes and learns new lessons. The resulting work is an accessible, insightful look at small unit tactics and leadership that is as useful today as it was in the early 20th century. This edition also includes The Battle of Booby's Bluffs by Major Single List.… (more)
Member:m_k_m
Title:The Defence of Duffer's Drift
Authors:Ernest Dunlop Swinton
Other authors:Lieutenant Backsight Forethought
Info:Merchant Books (2009), Paperback, 72 pages
Collections:Your library, Read but unowned
Rating:**1/2
Tags:military

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The Defence of Duffer's Drift by Ernest Dunlop Swinton

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This book was surprisingly entertaining. Although written to educate young officers on battlefield tactics it reads like Groundhog Day, with young Lieutenant Backsight Forethought has to fight the same battle over and over again until he gets it right. ( )
  Unkletom | Aug 15, 2014 |
An unusual and interesting book, very entertaining and recommended for even the more casual military reader. Swinton's book is a classic for good reasons. Rather than instructing cadets with a dry textbook approach, the dreams of the main character demonstrate the different ways a young officer attempts to defend a river crossing, making the lessons more interesting and informative. And certainly more interesting to read than a textbook! ( )
  jztemple | Dec 1, 2010 |
A classic in small unit tactics in the British and US Armies, this book is recommended, without qualification for the modern professional soldier. The trials and tribulations of young Lieutenant Backsight Forethought in South Africa fighting aginst the wily Boer. ( )
  Highlander99 | Jul 16, 2006 |
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» Add other authors (4 possible)

Author nameRoleType of authorWork?Status
Ernest Dunlop Swintonprimary authorall editionscalculated
Nye, Roger H.Editorsecondary authorsome editionsconfirmed
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I felt lonely, and not a little sad, as I stood on the bank of the river near Duffer's Drift and watched the red dust haze, raised by the southward departing column in the distance, turn slowly into gold as it hung in the afternoon sunlight.
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First published in 1907, The Defence of Duffer's Drift is a classic essay on small unit tactics based on author Ernest Dunlop Swinton's experiences in the Boer War in South Africa. In a series of dreams, Swinton's character Lieutenant Backsight Forethought works through a number of possible approaches to defending a piece of land known as the Drift. Each time, he makes fatal errors, but with each successive dream, Forethought corrects his previous mistakes and learns new lessons. The resulting work is an accessible, insightful look at small unit tactics and leadership that is as useful today as it was in the early 20th century. This edition also includes The Battle of Booby's Bluffs by Major Single List.

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