"The Defence of Duffer's 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 Duffer's
Drift" is a fictional account of a young British officer's 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 one's
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 "BF" by his colleagues) who has been placed
in command of a 50-troop reinforced platoon. BF's platoon is tasked to
hold Duffer's 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 officers' course. If he does well
in holding the drift, he thinks it will be his opportunity to gain fame
and glory. As simple as BF's 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 BF's problems before the
first shot is fired?
