The Defence of Duffer's Drift

The Defence of Duffer's DriftThe Defence of Duffers Drift is part of a collection of classic texts for teaching small unit tactics. Despite its origin in the Second Boer War (1899 1902), it remains a book that is recommended, without qualification, by many militaries around the world. It is an essential reference work for the professional soldier. The Defence of Duffers Drift is a fictional account of a young British officers lessons learned as a platoon commander during the Boer

ÒThe Defence of DufferÕs DriftÓ is part of a collection of classic texts for teaching small unit tactics. Despite its origin in the Second Boer War (1899-1902), it remains a book that is recommended, without qualification, by many militaries around the world. It is an essential reference work for the professional soldier. ÒThe Defence of DufferÕs DriftÓ is a fictional account of a young British officerÕs lessons learned as a platoon commander during the Boer War. Its simple style and satirical nature provide an entertaining look at how not to employ oneÕs troops. It emphasizes the importance of employing certain tactical principles in every operation by illustrating the tragic results of ignoring such tenets. The story centers on Lieutenant Backsight Forethought (referred to as ÒBFÓ by his colleagues) who has been placed in command of a 50-troop reinforced platoon. BFÕs platoon is tasked to hold DufferÕs Drift, the only ford on the Silliassvogel River where wheeled traffic can cross. BF sees his assignment as the chance to demonstrate what he learned during his officersÕ course. If he does well in holding the drift, he thinks it will be his opportunity to gain fame and glory. As simple as BFÕs task appears, the Boer enemy will cause many problems. As the reader, will your mind be quick enough and your intellect sharp enough to be able to solve BFÕs problems before the first shot is fired?