We Lead, Others Follow: First Canadian Division, 1914-1918

1st Division, Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) was the first division ever put in the field by the Dominion of Canada. Its members served on the Western Front from 1915-1918, participating in the major battles of Second Ypres, Festubert, Mount Sorrel, the Somme, Vimy, Hill 70, the Second Battle of Passchendaele, Amiens, Drocourt-Queant and Canal du Nord.

It was one of four divisions in the Canadian Corps, which was one of 23 corps fielded by the Empire. Although it had a history of trouble and strife during its time in England in 1914-15, 1st Division later established a good reputation, earning its sobriquet, Old Red Patch.” What took the division from raw militia to a good, professional fighting formation, were competent command and control, thorough staff work and sound training. This book is not a blow-by-blow account of battles and operations; rather an analysis of 1st Division and its effectiveness.

The author describes in great detail how the various elements of military expertise come together and affect the efficiency of a formation or unit. Detailed studies are made of training methods, unit organization, equipment, staff duties and procedures, and personnel problems. There are copious references to research documents and an extensive bibliography for each chapter. The primary focus of this study is the infantry, examining the work of individual units and their commanders, noting the improvement in staff duties as the war progressed. It also examines the substantial British contribution to Canadian skill at arms. Staff officers were with few exceptions British, since Canada had almost no trained staff officers at the beginning of the war, and only a few even at the end. It covers the training of junior officers, and the problems associated with promotion of experienced NCOs to junior officers, resulting in the depletion of the quality of the NCOs in the infantry units. The final chapters show how all the training, staff work, organizational changes and team work came together in 1918 during the battle of Amiens, Canal du Nord and the final offensive.

We Lead, Others Follow covers an aspect of the Great War that has rarely been studied. It is exceptionally well documented, covering National Archive material, published material, personal accounts and official and unit training and operational instructions. Regular and militia soldiers and historians interested in the military art will find this an invaluable study.