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Lions Led by Donkeys? Brigade Commanders of the Australian Imperial Force, 1914-1918

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Lions Led by Donkeys? Brigade Commanders of the Australian Imperial Force, 1914-1918 LIONS LED BY DONKEYS? BRIGADE COMMANDERS OF THE AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL FORCE, 1914-1918. ASHLEIGH BROWN A thesis in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy University of New South Wales, Canberra School of Humanities and Social Sciences March 2017 PLEASE TYPE THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES Thesis/Dissertation Sheet Surname or Family name: Brown First name: Ashleigh Other name/s: Rebecca Abbreviation for degree as given in the University calendar: MPhil School: Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty: UNSW Canberra, AD FA Title: Lions led by donkeys? Brigade commanders of the Australian Imperial Force, 1914-1918. Abstract 350 words maximum: (PLEASE TYPE) Australian First World War historiography tends to focus on the ordinary soldier: his background, character and involvement in the war. This is a legacy left by Charles Bean who, following the history from below approach, believed in the need for soldiers’ stories to be told. On the other end of the spectrum, attention is given to political leaders and the British high command. British commanders and, by extension, other Allied commanders are too often portrayed as poor leaders who were reluctant to adapt to modern warfare, and did not demonstrate a sense of responsibility for the men under their command. The evidence shows that this perception is not accurate. A comprehensive understanding of the progression of Australian forces on the Western Front cannot be gained without investigating the progression of those in command. This thesis examines the brigade commanders of the Australian Imperial Force who held that level of command for a substantial period while on the Western Front. These commanders challenge preconceived notions of First World War commanders, as they continually developed tactics and adapted to modern warfare as it evolved. They embraced new technology and ensured that their formations were able to effectively work with it. As the war progressed, they gained an appreciation of the importance of collaborating with other formations and ensuring effective communication, and demonstrated an understanding of the challenges of war on the Western Front. By 1918, the brigade commanders were effective leaders who undoubtedly played a significant role in the success of the Australian forces. Declaration relating to disposition of project thesis/dissertation I hereby grant to the University of New South Wales or its agents the right to archive and to make available my thesis or dissertation in whole or in part in the University libraries in all forms of media, now or here after known, subject to the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. I retain all property rights, such as patent rights. I also retain the right to use in future works (such as articles or books) all or part of this thesis or dissertation. I also authorise University Microfilms to use the 350 word abstract of my thesis in Dissertation Abstracts International (this is applicable to doctoral theses only). _ ....... .3.0/11/2013. Signature Witness Signature Date The University recognises that there may be exceptional circumstances requiring restrictions on copying or conditions on use. Requests for restriction for a period of up to 2 years must be made in writing. Requests for a longer period of restriction may be considered in exceptional circumstances and require the approval of the Dean of Graduate Research. ORIGINALITY STATEMENT ‘I hereby declare that this submission is my own work and to the best of my knowledge it contains no materials previously published or written by another person, or substantial proportions of material which have been accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma at UNSW or any other educational institution, except where due acknowledgement is made in the thesis. Any contribution made to the research by others, with whom I have worked at UNSW or elsewhere, is explicitly acknowledged in the thesis. I also declare that the intellectual content of this thesis is the product of my own work, except to the extent that assistance from others in the project's design and conception or in style, presentation and linguistic expression is acknowledged.’ Signed . j f i f S i M Q .................................................... Date . 3 O / 1 . I / 2 O I I .................................... COPYRIGHT STATEMENT ‘I hereby grant the University of New South Wales or its agents the right to archive and to make available my thesis or dissertation in whole or part in the University libraries in all forms of media, now or here after known, subject to the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. I retain all proprietary rights, such as patent rights. I also retain the right to use in future works (such as articles or books) all or part of this thesis or dissertation. I also authorise University Microfilms to use the 350 word abstract of my thesis in Dissertation Abstract International (this is applicable to doctoral theses only). I have either used no substantial portions of copyright material in my thesis or I have obtained permission to use copyright material; where permission has not been granted I have applied/will apply for a partial restriction of the digital copy of my thesis or dissertation.' Signed ............................................................... Date ..3.0 . / JJ.. /. .201-!............................ AUTHENTICITY STATEMENT ‘I certify that the Library deposit digital copy is a direct equivalent of the final officially approved version of my thesis. No emendation of content has occurred and if there are any minor variations in formatting, they are the result of the conversion to digital format.’ Signed .. ........... Date ABSTRACT Australian First World War historiography tends to focus on the ordinary soldier: his background, character and involvement in the war. This is a legacy left by Charles Bean who, following the history from below approach, believed in the need for soldiers’ stories to be told. On the other end of the spectrum, attention is given to political leaders and the British high command. British commanders and, by extension, other Allied commanders are too often portrayed as poor leaders who were reluctant to adapt to modern warfare, and did not demonstrate a sense of responsibility for the men under their command. The evidence shows that this perception is not accurate. A comprehensive understanding of the progression of Australian forces on the Western Front cannot be gained without investigating the progression of those in command. This thesis examines the brigade commanders of the Australian Imperial Force who held that level of command for a substantial period while on the Western Front. These commanders challenge preconceived notions of First World War commanders, as they continually developed tactics and adapted to modern warfare as it evolved. They embraced new technology and ensured that their formations were able to effectively work with it. As the war progressed, they gained an appreciation of the importance of collaborating with other formations and ensuring effective communication, and demonstrated an understanding of the challenges of war on the Western Front. By 1918, the brigade commanders were effective leaders who undoubtedly played a significant role in the success of the Australian forces. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I had the good fortune to complete the first year of this thesis under the supervision of Professor Jeffrey Grey. It was a privilege to have the guidance of a historian who I have respected and admired for so long. The first time I met Jeff was when I went to speak to him about the possibility of doing a research project, which he encouraged me to pursue as a thesis instead. In that first meeting, Jeff asked me what my postgraduate coursework grades were like. I told him that overall they were good, but the lowest was in his course on Vietnam which I had taken the previous year. In what I came to know as his typical way, he gave me a small smile, somewhat satisfied, and responded with “that sounds about right”. When I left his office I was terrified. Throughout the next year, Jeff was always supportive, understanding and encouraging of me. He was direct with his opinions and feedback, and very certain about the right way to do things. Any compliment from Jeff had to be well deserved! My final meeting with him was the day before he passed away. After talking about my progress, I stayed a bit longer for a chat. I will always be thankful that I saw him that day, and that I spent that extra bit of time there. Jeff played a huge part in my formative experience in academic history. This thesis is principally a result of his guidance, constructive criticism, patience, and his time. It is a reflection of everything he has taught me, and I hope it’s a reflection he would be happy with. I am indebted to Emeritus Professor Peter Dennis, who kindly offered to take over the supervision of my thesis from July 2016. Peter’s approach had a comforting similarity to Jeff’s, and I have no doubt that I am a better researcher and writer for the assistance he has given me. I can’t thank you enough for the time and effort you have put into my work. I have been lucky to have the support of my colleagues and friends at the Australian War Memorial in the Commemoration & Visitor Engagement section, and more recently from Craig Stockings and the Official History Project team. Thank you for your support, encouragement and friendship, and a special thank you to Emily who has given me an incredible amount of greatly appreciated support over the last year. I have had fantastic opportunities to be taught by exceptional historians at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Before this, though, I was very lucky to have some wonderful history teachers during high school.
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