The Swordbearers: Supreme Command in the First World War

by Correlli Barnett

Four of the most important World War I commanders-in-chief helped determine its outcome--and, by extension, the course of the 20th century. Here are the stories of Colonel-General von Molke, who attempted to defeat France in a mere 6 weeks; Admiral Sir John Jellicoe, who struggled unsuccessfully to crush the German High Sea Fleet; General Pétain, whose inaction led the French troops to mutiny; and General Ludendorff, who mounted a titanic German offensive...that failed.

Genres: History, Military History, World War I, War, European History, Biography Memoir

392 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1963

About the author

A freelance historian and writer, Correlli Barnett was educated at Trinity school and Exeter College, Oxford, where he took a degree in modern history. After national service in the Intelligence Corps from 1945 to 1948, Barnett worked for the North Thames Gas Board until 1957, then in public relations until 1963. He was historical consultant and part author of the BBC series 'The Great War' and won the 1964 Screen Writers' Guild Award for best British television documentary script.

Reviews

[Gerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This well-written book views four major campaigns of World War I in western Europe: the “guns of August” from the headquarters of the younger Moltke, Admiral Jellicoe at Jutland, Geneal Pétain just after the French mutiny, and General Ludendorff during the final German offensives. Author Barnett writes, “The theme of this book is the decisive effect of individual human character on history.” I didn’t notice so much of that as I did the struggles between the named individuals and forces larger than them. Moltke, launching the largest land campaign in history to that point, could not control the armies from his headquarters at Koblenz; he needed army group commanders. Jellicoe, able as he was, was in charge of a fleet whose only advantage was in numbers not significant enough to avoid the appearance of a defeat that wasn’t. Pétain’s able leadership was military and he saved France from the effects of the army’s mutiny; but wasn’t able to face down politics. Ludendorff’s problem was himself. A very interesting read.

[Daniel R. Pinto · Rating 5 out of 5]

An original and fascinating book, written about 60 years ago, but still eloquent and persuasive. By focusing on four major personalities - Commander in Chief Helmuth von Moltke, Admiral John Jellicoe, General Philippe Pétain, and Quatermaster General Erich Ludendorff - Barnett sheds light on the different stages of the Great War on the Western front (and at sea).

The narrative moves seamlessly from one personality to the next and we learn about the role of these and other great personalities as well as the characteristics of the societies that engendered them. The analysis is focused, never losing sight of military fact on the ground, and at the same time wide-ranging, with enlightening overviews of economic, social, and cultural questions and their influence on the way war is waged.

British industrial decline? It’s addressed. German economic and technological dynamism contrasted with political immaturity? It’s addressed. France’s outdated military doctrines? They’re addressed.

I will have to re-read this book, not because it is hard to grasp at first reading, but because it contains so much food for thought.

One caveat: the book presupposes some knowledge about the main facts of the war. Read a good general history first, and/or watch the excellent BBC series from 1964 (of which Correlli Barnett was one of the scriptwriters) in 26 episodes available on YouTube.

[James Levy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book still worth reading, but so much water has gone under the bridge since it was published that it would have to be one book to read among several. From my perspective the looming question is, how good or bad really was the Grand Fleet? This question is still batted around, and most historians today tend to see it as being in better material shape than it was considered when this book was written, or even into the 1990s. Part of this seems, to me, to be tied to a post-Cold War need to run down all things German, but that's a pretty controversial take and might not (OK, does not) make many of my colleagues happy. I would say that the Grand Fleet was overall built on a solid material base with its greatest problems being sloppy ammo handling, indifferent shell quality, and an obsession in the Battle Cruise Force with rapid fire. That issue notwithstanding, to understand better the stresses and strains that actual command holds, this book is a useful introduction.

[John Somers · Rating 3 out of 5]

13/20.

[Dimitri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the conclusions may be dated now that the historiography of WWI has moved away from the 'all generals are buffoons' school and the Vietnam era, but much like Barbara Tuchman its scenery remains fresh. On a bibliophile note: mine is a first edition donated by a UK library.

[Nick Jellicoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even if written many decades ago, this is still a fascinating read of the exigencies of command at the supreme level in the First world War. A fluidly written and deeply researched book

[Michael Laflamme]

Very detailed work for its size. A deep examination of the four major European leaders and the influence of the culture of their nations on the reasons and conduct of the war. For many of us, this was our grandfather's war. The Europe and Great Britain we have known all of our lives, begins in this terrible war and its lessons, for good or for ill.