Recording: Developing Amphibious Doctrine: The British Experience, 1756–1763

How did the British way of war come about? What was the impetus for Britain to create, and master, a form of warfare that historically had had limited success? And who were the men who pioneered this doctrinal development? Andy Young, Military Sciences Community Manager, delves into the British experience of creating amphibious doctrine in the Seven Years’ War, drawing insights from this historical case study that are relevant to today’s practitioners, strategists and policymakers. Understanding how previous generations developed, codified and conducted amphibious warfare and doctrine, and the manner in which knowledge was collated, analysed and distributed among contemporaries and their successors, is key to unlocking future progress.

Amphibious warfare is particularly pertinent for today’s audience, given the changes being made to the UK’s amphibious forces under the Future Commando Force and Littoral Response Group programmes, the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War, and the resurgence of continental competition in littoral regions. While the character and context may have changed, the principles laid down by these doctrinal forebears during the Seven Years’ War are perennial.

Speaker: Andrew (Andy) Young is the former Military Sciences Community Manager at the Royal United Services Institute.

Chair: Admiral Sir Ian Forbes KCB CBE, Distinguished Fellow, Royal United Services Institute.