From the Civil Wars to the Second World War, the British army proved to be the most successful and effective throughout the world. This is an original and chronological insight into the full history and role of the regimental British officer.

Clayton describes how evolving national history, developments in battlefield technology, and changing concepts in leadership theory and practice all contributed to the changing attitudes and triangular relationship of the officer, soldier and the nation which pays. The British Officer further explores the world of the 'professional' officers engineers, intelligence, doctors, veterinary surgeons, chaplains, transport and logistics, and looks at how these were all critical support to the battle.