For the nation to be aware of the likely duration
of this conflict,
Comes a reasoned reply to scepticism from Lord
Kitchener.
Made in response to public questions of the
British, as to why
So many men have been called upon to make up the
defence,
Not only of home, but other none-Empire shores
abroad.
The argument against states the Belgians have held
Germany
Off for ten days, or more, without the hand of
France or Britain-
Has not the British fleet ably protected all trade
routes at sea?
'Security and confidence has now been returned to
this nation'
Kitchener promotes that these actions are not just
to stop
The forward push of German invasion, but to gain
lasting peace.
Also the need to curb any invasions of nations in
future times;
Nations would just see British inaction as just
pure weakness.
The government has no wish to upset the power
balance in Europe,
Or ruin German people - only to ensure a "live
and let live" decree.
There exists a double-headed hydra that forms
German policies,
An un-caged governmental creature controlling
German liberties,
Subjecting that empire to single mastery of one man
- the Kaiser.
Only current speculation and divination can be
presently made
To assess the German military machine upon Belgium
ground.
Although that enemy appears at a standstill, near
the allies left wing.
The question remains will the enemy force turn
south via Namur?
Out across the difficulty of wooded, mountainous
country?
Having seemingly failed in the plains - will they
try in the hills?
Admittance to a lack of clarity only suggests a
German surrender -
What truth is there that courageous German men are
fighting?
With little motivation or keen heart in their
Kaiser’s campaign.
Surely his people know the German empire is a
one-man show?
Having been under the rule of this Kaiser for 30
years.
The Kaiser's Domination of military ideals and
civil administration,
Dictates imperial ideals from field marshall,
general to colonel,
Colonel to captain - moving down every grade of
every rank.
In their campaigns brut force reigns over sensible
scientific rules,
Leading their armies of men like sheep to the slow
slaughter.
The enemy's small engagements appear to show how
they have
No respect for human life - so further analysis
will surely show,
The very likelihood of a crumbling breakdown of
German plans.
Allied expectation's are that they should
reconsider their position,
If they wish to save their Empire - there is no
denying they might,
Just might, risk one further big offensive - but
believed improbable.
Quiet admissions - in black and white, is that the
allies lack numbers,
That the enemies have massed together,
Literal "Food" and thought for the
enemies spies?
Germany will be under increasing pressure from
Russia, who will,
Launch its attack on the Eastern front - and a
balanced possibility
That France will yet suffer a big blow on their
fighting men.
Kitchener's reasoning continues; a need to build a
force in readiness
For a decisive blow - an army if not in six months,
in a year's time.
Such is an outright dissection of Kitchener’s
strategic words,
Not to sacrifice the regular army at the start of
war in engagements,
But to build a brandishing force of a trained army
behind the front.
An immediate request for 500,000 men is made, while
preparing
Another army of 100,000 – While 3 years to train
capable cavalry,
To train valuable infantry forces will take just
two years.
Facing the situation of the immediate war dictates
new rules,
A great need to condense such training into six
months, alongside
A high calibre of trained officers who will achieve
this plan.
Still hungry, Kitchener asks for more fighters in
forming 2 divisions
Of territorial’s to go abroad imminently, to take
to the battlefield -
Prior to formation of this second army - stating
theirs is the honour
To take up their arms and make the first foray into
the fight.
Behind this strategy comes the Field Marshall's
explanation
Of important stages that will be needed to create a
fit force,
And further not to leave this British land
undefended -
In Kitchener's plan both forces shall have equal
glory,
For men fighting abroad and in carrying out home
defence.
At the centre of the building of a new army is the
call to heed
To a Field Marshall's vast experience and sound
judgments.
All alongside a strange admittance, that the
British forces
Are at this present time in a curious state of
chaos:
Listing a mix of Regulars and reserves, Special
reserves,
Old Battalions and Militia and Territorial’s short
in numbers,
As well as partially trained Yeomanry and Territorial
Auxiliary’s.
Some can serve abroad and others are not yet ready
-
All this makes up a mixed horde of disjointed forces.
Britain is yet to feel the stress of war as other
countries,
As recruitment continues, life appears to pass as
normal.
Except for the sight of troops and excitement on
streets.
For the first time perhaps comes the call to fight
as a nation,
Not just an army - there is need for people seize
the chance
And for pessimists not to scoff at beliefs of over
preparation,
Or dare to sneer at apparent overreaction – so be
aware,
The German fleet is without destruction and remains
intact.
Without the enemy's subjection to unconditional
surrender,
The only result could be continental truce - but
other nations
Are likely to rise like Prussia. With German navy
and fleets
Destroyed, rebuilding would be difficult - so in starting again
Would lead to financial disability, taking years to
regain.
This honesty is for any who question our Field
Marshall's plan.
Let them imagine then what fearful France is now
facing.
With her men gone to fight women are left to fend
with fear.
That countries very gratitude for British
assistance is enough.
So for any men who hesitate to enlist in the new
British army
Just take some moments to think over the dire
situation.
by
Jamie Mann
Ashmead-Bartlett,
E.,1914. The Role of the British Army - Lord Kitchener's Plan. The Daily
Telegraph, [online] 17 Aug. p.7. Col.7. Available
online at: Available
at:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ww1-archive/11034548/Daily-Telegraph-August-17-1914.html
[Accessed: 17th August 2014].
Mann, J., 2014. 100
years Ago - Poems by Jamie Mann. [letter] (Personal communication, 17
August 2014).
#WW1centenary
#GreatWar #WW1 #WW1poem #GreatWar #ww1centenary #worldwarone
#worldwaroneremembered #militarystrategyWW1
Source: File: German
troops on move. jpeg, [online] Available at: <http://20thcenturybattles.com/2015/04/15/world-war-i-and-the-era-of-industrial-warfare/>
Accessed: 2 December 2015].