The British army and the personal networks of its officers in the later eighteenth century

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Other Title
  • 結びつきの場としての軍隊
  • 結びつきの場としての軍隊 : 一八世紀イギリス陸軍将校の人的なつながりに注目して
  • ムスビツキ ノ バ ト シテ ノ グンタイ : イチハチセイキ イギリス リクグン ショウコウ ノ ジンテキ ナ ツナガリ ニ チュウモク シテ
  • 一八世紀イギリス陸軍将校の人的なつながりに注目して

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Abstract

The aim of this study is to present a detailed picture of the personal networks of British army officers in the later eighteenth century. By exploring the military records of John Peebles, John Enys and Thomas Hughes, all of whom served as junior officers during the 1770s and 1780s, the study shows that they formed extensive relationships with people both within and outside the military and examines their active, and sometimes long-lasting, interactions.<br> Within the army, officers built strong ties with their colleagues through various kinds of shared experience, both on and off duty. Not only did they fight together on the battlefield, but they closely collaborated in a number of peacetime duties, such as drilling, policing and ceremonial activities. In their leisure time, too, they gathered at the mess, shared accommodations and enjoyed a variety of entertainments together. These social gatherings were often attended by the officers’ families, causing their relationships to naturally grow very close and intimate. In some cases, personal connections were formed between officers and their men. Despite the fact that the two groups were separated by a strict military hierarchy, there were numerous instances where officers had close contact with the ranks, especially those who worked as their clerks and servants.<br> Officers’ personal networks were not confined to the military, for during the period in question, it was common for soldiers to be stationed among the civilian population, making civilian/military contact ubiquitous. Indeed, active social intercourse was seen everywhere - at pubs shops, churches, public ceremonies and private pastimes.<br> Thus, British army officers (and their families) in the later eighteenth century connected themselves with a remarkably broad range of people. Their relationships extended the regimental, officer/private and civilian/military boundaries. And as far as can be judged from the sources examined, these cross-boundary networks greatly helped to maintain the internal order of the army, and to secure peace and amity between the military and civilian society.

Journal

  • SHIGAKU ZASSHI

    SHIGAKU ZASSHI 127 (12), 39-64, 2018

    The Historical Society of Japan

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