The Defence of Duffer's Drift - Softcover

E. D. Swinton

Softcover

ISBN 10: 9354782183 ISBN 13: 9789354782183

Publisher: Zinc Read, 2021

Synopsis

The Defence of Duffer's Drift is a military novella written by E. D. Swinton, a British officer who served during the Second Anglo-Boer War. The story takes the form of a dream experienced by a young officer, Lieutenant Backsight Forethought, who is tasked with defending a small position, Duffer's Drift, during a hypothetical battle. In his dream, he is repeatedly given the chance to defend the drift against an advancing enemy. Each time, he makes tactical mistakes, resulting in failure and loss, only to wake up and find himself once again in the same scenario, where he can apply the lessons from his previous failures. Through these repeated attempts, the story offers valuable insights into military strategy, leadership, and the critical importance of understanding terrain, surprise tactics, and the limitations of defensive positions. The novella serves as both a cautionary tale about the consequences of poor planning and a guide to military principles. The Defence of Duffer's Drift is often used as a teaching tool in military academies, demonstrating how even small decisions can have significant consequences in warfare. The work blends fiction with practical military lessons, providing both entertainment and education.

Edition details

• Publisher: Zinc Read
• Publication date: 2021
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 9354782183
• ISBN 13: 9789354782183
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 48