F. A. (Frederick Augustus) Griffiths

Frederick Augustus Griffiths was a British Army officer and military writer who served in the Royal Artillery. According to the Dictionary of National Biography, he entered the army as an ensign on December 13, 1813, later became a lieutenant in 1816, a captain in 1835, and a major in 1854.

He is remembered chiefly for writing The Artillerist's Manual and Compendium of Infantry Exercise, first published in 1840 and still appearing in later editions decades afterward. He also wrote Notes on Military Law in 1841, showing the same practical interest in the day-to-day needs of officers and soldiers.

Although not a widely known literary figure today, Griffiths left behind the kind of books that were built to be used, not just admired. His writing sits at the meeting point of military service, training, and reference works, which makes him an interesting author for readers drawn to nineteenth-century army life and military history.