The Science of War

This collection of essays contains fifteen chapters. Chapters one introduces the topic of war in its various forms, before chapter two considers the more general topic of strategy. Chapter three examines the tactical use of cavalry, which leads into the fourth chapter which looks at the tactical use of the combination of the three arms (cavalry, infantry and artillery). Henderson then goes on to look at the career of the Duke of Wellington in the next chapter with particular emphasis on his strategic and tactical thinking. The next two chapters take on the subject of military criticism and modern tactics, before looking at lesson to be learnt from the past. Henderson did considerably research and writing on the American Civil War, and it is perhaps unsurprising that a book of his essays and writing focus heavily upon this. Chapter seven to eleven focus on various elements of said conflict. Chapter twelve looks at the modern use of infantry on the attack, using several contemporary examples to examine this. Chapters 13 and 14 focus closer to ‘home, and concentrate on the British Army. Chapter 13 is a brief examination of the South African War, and in particular Lord Roberts time in command. As Henderson was for a time an officer on Roberts staff, this is an interesting chapter. The final chapter is a look at the condition of the British Army, examining its faults and failings.

To the student of late Victorian military strategy and tactics, Henderson’s work is an invaluable tool.