In a detailed review of the small work by Petrie and James, the 
Allgemeine Militar-Zeitung recently described the organisation of 
the English army,’ and since then, in another article, the position 
of this army in the English state.” What remains is only to consider 
this army itself in its historical development in the last seventy 
years, its present form, its materiel, its internal service organisa- 
tion, its tactical training and its characteristic forms of combat. 
This is the purpose of the present lines. | 

The English army is especially interesting to the military 
observer. It is the only one in the world that still keeps 
unbendingly to the old line tactics, at least in so far as it has never 
known columns within the range of infantry fire (except for 
actions in defiles). Not only does it fire in line, its bayonet attacks, 
too, are made only in line. Nonetheless—or perhaps precisely for 
that reason—it 1s undeniably the army that has suffered fewest 
defeats. In any event, it is worthwhile taking a closer look at the 
battle methods of such an army, particularly now, when, to the 
astonishment of the whole world, what was believed to be 
impossible has become possible: that England threatens to make 
war on us Germans.’ 


a This refers to the review of the pamphlet Organization, composition and strength 
of the Army of Great Britain. (Compiled by Captain Martin Petrie and Colonel James.) 
The review appeared in the literary supplement to the Allgemeine Militar-Zeitung, 
Nos. 34-39, August 22 and 29 and September 5, 12, 19 and 26, 1863, under the 
correspondent’s sign [16.].— Ed. 

b “Die englische Armee und Verfassung”, Allgemeine Militar-Zeitung, Nos. 44- 
46, October 31 and November 7 and 14, 1863.— Ed. 


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