Directorate of Military Training, Sept 1915

[PhilB]

The Directorate of Military Training in late 1915 was presumably responsible for the training of a huge body of officers and men in primarily infantry techniques, so as to fit them to face, and overcome, a powerful enemy. It`s members were as follows:-

Director of Military Training - Maj Gen F.C.Heath-Caldwell, ex-RE, previously Oi/c Scottish Coast defences.

GSO1 - Lt Col E.S.E.W.Eardley-Russell, ex-RA, previously Maj i/c an RA battery.

GSO1 - Col W.Adye, prev Dep Asst Director of Remounts, E Command.

GSO2 - Maj J.G.Dooner, RA, prev GSO3.

GSO2 - Maj R.S.McClintock, RE, prev Capt, Woolwich.

GSO2 - Maj E.W.Browne, RA, prev Capt 142 battery Woolwich.

GSO3 - Capt E.A.B.Clive prev Capt Seaf H, Res of Officers.

GSO3 - Capt J.H.J.Phillips C Gds, prev Capt 2 CG.

GSO3 - Capt A.D. Legard KRRC, prev Capt KRRC

GSO3 - Lt A.C.M.B. Viscount Acheson prev Lt CG Res of Officers.

Does this list inspire confidence? Phil B

[DrB]

That is a rhetorical question...............

DrB

[PhilB]

I admit it!! Phil B

[charlesmessenger]

The problem was that many of the August 1914 staff of DMT were called away to fill staff positions in the BEF. It was a major weakness of the mobilisation plan. The Directorate of Military Operations suffered just as badly, including having to replace the complete staff of MO5, which covered intelligence.

The DMT was broken up in early 1916 and its duties taken over by GHQ Home Forces.

Charles M

[PhilB]

That certainly seems to be true, Charles. The DMT in Aug 1914 was none other than Maj Gen Sir W.R.Robertson. It is noticeable that in Aug 1914, the DMT lists 2 GSO1s, 5 GSO2s and 9 GSO3s. This compares to 2 GSO1s, 3 GSO2s and 4 GSO3s in Sept 1915.

This looks like a virtual halving and replacement by men of no obvious relevant experience at a time when the workload and importance of the DMT, particularly in the infantry sphere, was multiplying some 10-fold.

I, of course, imply no criticism of the officers concerned except that they may have been ill chosen. Phil B