Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 26:08-26:33

Why did Britain have so many one-battalion regiments?

Administrative difficulties in second battalions help explain Britain's one-battalion tradition, despite those battalions' good fighting ability.

British ArmyMilitary AdministrationRegimental System
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Question

Why did Britain have so many one-battalion regiments?

Short answer

Recurring administrative problems in second battalions help explain that tradition, even though those battalions could fight very well.

Notes

Britain's history of one-battalion regiments is linked to recurring administrative trouble in second battalions. That experience provides an explanation for retaining a single battalion. The criticism concerns administration rather than fighting ability. Second battalions could still be very good fighters.