In the years immediately before the First World War, the British Army was comprehensively reformed, and new training manuals and regulations were issued across the force. Covering topics such as uniform, drill and marching songs, equipment, trench construction, scouting and reconnaissance work, field communications, modern military techniques and strategy, and how casualties and prisoners of war should be dealt with, these manuals contained concise, practical advice compiled by experts. They were regularly updated and reprinted in response to the latest developments in warfare.

Packed with excerpts carefully selected by historian Neil R. Storey from his nationally respected archive, this volume provides an authentic overview of how a typical Tommy was trained both at home and in the field during the First World War.