A General's Letters to His Son on Minor Tactics

The book is presented as a series of letters from an experienced army general to his young son, written during the turmoil of the First World War. In a conversational tone, the officer‑father shares hard‑won lessons about minor tactics, emphasizing the vital role of small‑unit decisions in the outcome of larger battles. He frames the instruction as a practical supplement to the formal manuals that many new commanders have yet to master.

Each letter offers realistic scenarios—ranging from proper fire control to keeping troops together—and invites the reader to think through the problem before revealing the correct solution. The general stresses common‑sense, cool‑headedness, and the importance of meticulous preparation, such as correctly adjusting sights and coordinating movements. Though rooted in a specific historical moment, the advice remains useful for anyone interested in the fundamentals of leadership on the battlefield.