Professionalism and the development of military intelligence in Wellington's Army, 1809-14
Professionalism and the development of military intelligence in Wellington's Army, 1809-14
Professionalism made many inroads into the army during the eighteenth century and it gathered pace in the hundred years that followed. A number of studies have reinterpreted the efficiency of the Georgian army and noted the process of reform which affected the military after the Napoleonic Wars. Little work has been done, however, on the professional developments which occurred during that conflict. In its consideration of military intelligence, this thesis locates the evolution of the staff within the wider continuum of military professionalism.
The study examines the appointment of staff officers, particularly in the Quartermaster General’s department and argues that formal military education and professional standards of competence were applied in their selection. With regard to topographical reconnaissance, standardised reporting techniques were instituted and the activity was closely supervised by the Quartermaster General in the Peninsula, George Murray. Murray also demonstrated a degree of authority over other aspects of military intelligence, particularly in arranging for the payment of officers on detached duties and civilian informants. Headquarters implemented measures to regularise intelligence reports submitted by military sources. Intercepted correspondence contributed greatly to military intelligence in the Peninsula and its employment required a degree of consolidation of responsibilities. Lastly, French military intelligence was able to operate far more effectively than has yet been conceded. The thesis argues that French successes increased the pressure for Wellington’s headquarters to exercise a close supervision over intelligence activity and professional attitudes and standards were applied more rigorously in consequence.
University of Southampton
2005
Romans, Mark
(2005)
Professionalism and the development of military intelligence in Wellington's Army, 1809-14.
University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.
Record type:
Thesis
(Doctoral)
Abstract
Professionalism made many inroads into the army during the eighteenth century and it gathered pace in the hundred years that followed. A number of studies have reinterpreted the efficiency of the Georgian army and noted the process of reform which affected the military after the Napoleonic Wars. Little work has been done, however, on the professional developments which occurred during that conflict. In its consideration of military intelligence, this thesis locates the evolution of the staff within the wider continuum of military professionalism.
The study examines the appointment of staff officers, particularly in the Quartermaster General’s department and argues that formal military education and professional standards of competence were applied in their selection. With regard to topographical reconnaissance, standardised reporting techniques were instituted and the activity was closely supervised by the Quartermaster General in the Peninsula, George Murray. Murray also demonstrated a degree of authority over other aspects of military intelligence, particularly in arranging for the payment of officers on detached duties and civilian informants. Headquarters implemented measures to regularise intelligence reports submitted by military sources. Intercepted correspondence contributed greatly to military intelligence in the Peninsula and its employment required a degree of consolidation of responsibilities. Lastly, French military intelligence was able to operate far more effectively than has yet been conceded. The thesis argues that French successes increased the pressure for Wellington’s headquarters to exercise a close supervision over intelligence activity and professional attitudes and standards were applied more rigorously in consequence.
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Published date: 2005
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Local EPrints ID: 465833
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/465833
PURE UUID: 625f7dcd-ea58-4b42-850d-baf1c376ea58
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Date deposited: 05 Jul 2022 03:14
Last modified: 05 Jul 2022 03:14
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Author:
Mark Romans
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