The Principles of War - Lessons from Military History on Strategy, Tactics, Doctrine and Leadership.

What mistakes occurred at the operational level in the planning of the Battle of Bullecourt? What role did Gough play in the debacle? Why did he make such grievous errors of judgement? 'Bullecourt, more than any other battle, shook the confidence of Australian soldiers in the capacity of the British command; the errors, especially on April 10th and 11th, were obvious to almost everyone'. Charles Bean, Official Historian. This is part of our 150th Anniversary of the Royal Australian Artillery series. Check out the show notes for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.

What planning was done for the First Battle of Bullecourt and why was it so flawed?  We discuss artillery logistics and planning, mission analysis and how the plan came about in the time available. This is part of our 150th Anniversary of the Royal Australian Artillery series. Check out the show notes for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast. Join the conversation on Twitter or Facebook.

This Episode looks at the lessons for the employment of Artillery at the 1st Battle of Bullecourt.  CEW Bean, the author of the official History wrote that Australian troops braved the odds in numerous battles, but that Bullecourt was the most brilliant of these achievements, impressing both enemy and friends alike. This Bullecourt miniseries is part of our 150th Anniversary of the Royal Australian Artillery series. We look at the strategic picture in 1917, with Germany realising that time is on the side of the Allies. The commencement of unrestricted warfare is an attempt to deny Great Britain the resources required to remain in the war, setting the conditions for the war to be won, before the United States mobilisation makes victory impossible. The last of the ANZAC Divisions arrived on the Western Front in November 1916 - this was Monash's 3rd Australian Infantry Division.  On the 23rd of February, German troops started thinning out the line and Operation Alberich, the withdrawal to the Siegfried Line. The Germans termed the withdrawal Operation Alberich, after Alberich the dwarf who fashions a ring out of Rhine Gold. The ring he forges grants the power to rule the world. The Siegfried Line was named after a legendary hero of Germanic legend who slew a dragon and was later was later murdered. He may have been based on Arminius of the Tuetoburg Forest. These legends were featured in Wagner's Ring Cycle, an epic Opera over 4 nights with the last night entitled Gotterdammerung, The Twilight of the Gods. The winter of 1916-17 was the worst in the last 40 years and the conditions took a terrible toll on the soldiers in the front lines. Here Australian Army Medical Corps members evacuate cold casualties. In December 1916, Joffre was replaced with General Robert Nivelle. Originally Lloyd George wanted to place Haig under Nivelle, which would have simplified command arrangements, but Haig would not countenance the idea. Haig was keen to create his own breakthrough if possible, but this would be difficult with the main effort, the Nivelle Offensive, receiving the majority of the guns and ammunition. Supporting the French Nivelle Offensive was the reason for the Arras Offensive. The British would draw German troops into the Arras area, and potentially trigger the German committal of their Reserve, setting the conditions for the French breakthrough further North. Gough, was termed the Thruster. Commander of Fifth Army. A cavalry Officer, he exhibited the best and worst tendencies of cavalry officers. Bullcourt, in the Queant area was to support Allenby's Third Army's attack at Arras. Allenby's attack was also supported at Vimy by the Canadian Corps under LT GEN Byng. This will be the subject of another podcast partially to celebrate 150 years of Canadian Artillery - UBIQUE!, and partially to compare and contrast with Bullecourt. The Battle at Bullecourt literally became the textbook example of how not to conduct a battle - it was taught in British Staff Colleges of the dangers of poor planning. Vimy Ridge is almost the perfect juxtaposition - Byng vs Gough, detailed planning vs big hands small map, artillery vs no artillery, CBSO vs little effective counter battery effects, ammunition allocation (50,000 tons were fired in pre H-Hour fires), vs an inadequate allocation, enough guns vs clearly insufficient numbers of batteries, and coordination and cooperation across corps vs little coordination. The Vimy Ridge battle was an exemplar of how to attack a strongly defended objective in the First World War and many of the techniques developed at Vimy would be used by Monash in 1918 in his first Battle as Corps Commander in the Battle of Hamel. The Bullecourt Battle was a support effort to Allenby's Third Army Arras Offensive. Join the conversation on Twitter or Facebook.

Dive into the innovative tactics leading up to the Battle of France, particularly the Manstein Plan executed by Panzergruppe Kleist. Discover how historical strategies influenced military planning and the significance of the Sickle Cut maneuver. The discussion highlights the critical breakthrough in the Ardennes that encircled Allied forces and reshaped Germany's wartime approach. Uncover the challenges the German army faced, from the Royal Navy blockade to the strengths of the French army, all while navigating bold strategic transitions.

This discussion delves into Germany's Center of Gravity during the rapid invasion of France, revealing how strategic shortcomings pushed them to take risks. Listeners learn about the significant implications of their resource limitations and the role of pivotal treaties like the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact. The urgency in military planning is highlighted, showcasing lessons drawn from World War I. Additionally, the analysis touches on the complex national constraints that shaped Germany's tactics, adding depth to the understanding of military strategy.

Explore the strategic missteps of French military leadership during the Battle of France, focusing on how terrain evaluation and historical context shaped decisions. Discover lessons from the Franco-Prussian War and how they influenced military innovation. Understand the profound impact of World War I on French military philosophy, leading to a more integrated strategy. Delve into the flawed reliance on the Maginot Line and the unexpected German maneuvers through the Ardennes that challenged French efforts.

Explore the urgent shifts in British leadership as Winston Churchill steps in during WWII. Discover his powerful speeches that unified the nation against tyranny. Delve into the rapid collapse of France in 1940 and the stark contrasts with British military strategy. Hear about the desperate calls for U.S. support amidst the rising threat of Nazi Germany and the political complexities surrounding the Lend-Lease Act. Join a critical analysis of strategy and resilience during a pivotal moment in history.

Delve into the fascinating analysis of the center of gravity for German, French, and British forces during the Battle of France in 1940. Discover how military strategy influenced each country’s vulnerabilities and capabilities. The discussion highlights Britain’s pre-war miscalculations and the strategic frameworks aimed at securing peace. Engage with insights on Britain's war strategy and the political dynamics that shaped early WWII decisions, shedding light on the complexities of military readiness and diplomacy.

Discover the strategic movements of the German army during the 1940 Battle of France, highlighting their impressive crossing of the Meuse River. Learn about the British Expeditionary Force's bravery and chaotic tactics as they retreated to Dunkirk. Delve into the miscalculations faced by French forces, revealing critical communication failures. Explore the complex evacuation efforts and the sinking of the RMS Lancastria, alongside the broader consequences of the fall of Dunkirk. Uncover the operational challenges amidst threats from the Italian army.

Explore the gripping narrative of the German invasion of France in 1940, highlighting the heroism of the Dunkirk evacuation against overwhelming odds. Discover the British Army's unpreparedness due to training deficiencies and equipment woes, tracing its evolution from the interwar period. Delve into the British Expeditionary Force’s innovative mobility strategies and critique key defensive lines like the Maginot. Uncover the French 7th Army's strategic maneuvers and the military planning that shaped the early stages of this pivotal conflict.