From Chauffeur to Brigadier-Founder of the Machine Gun Corps & Pioneer of the Development of the Tank, (Hardcover)

An outstanding pioneer of mechanised and armoured warfare

While the story of a man who was a civilian driver in 1914, but who rose to become a Brigadier-General in consequence of his services during the four years duration of the First World War cannot be anything but incredible, readers will be astonished to learn that this was by no means the most remarkable aspect of Christopher Baker-Carr's military career. Recognised as the officer in the British Army who knew 'more about machine guns than anyone', Baker-Carr, often opposed, almost single-handedly, brought about the specialised training of machine gunners, the creation of the Machine Gun Training School, the increased manufacture and widespread adoption of the machine gun by the British Army and the creation of the Machine Gun Corps itself. Recognising the potential of a new weapon to break the stalemate of trench warfare, he then became a primary influence in the development of the battle tank becoming commander of the First Tank Brigade. There can be few other British soldiers, who have all but faded from military history, whose role has averted imminent disaster in times of great peril and of whom it can be said that he made a contribution to victory of such importance. Republished in this new edition in cooperation with the author's family, this book is highly recommended to all those interested in the development of modern warfare.
Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket.