The men who planned the war: a study of the staff of the British Army on the Western Front, 1914-1918

During the Allied victory celebrations there were few who chose to raise a glass to the staff.

The high cost of casualties endured by the British army tarnished the reputation of the military planners, which has yet to recover.

This book examines the work and development of the staff of the British army during the First World War and its critical role in the military leadership team.

Their effectiveness was germane to the outcome of events in the front line but not enough consideration has been paid to this level of command and control, which has largely been overshadowed by the debate over generalship.

This has painted an incomplete picture of the command function.