ebooks Command and Communication Frictions in the Gettysburg Campaign by Philip M. Cole in History

Review

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. CommandBy David MurphyThis is a brief work; but one that fills a void about command and control during the mid 19th Century. Armies could only move as fast as the men could walk or a horse runs; the same with the movement of orders. The Civil War battlefield was also a very smoke filled enviorment due to the blackpowder weapons used. Thus a commander could onoy see the movement of his regiments by the movements of the flags. The term "Rally around the flag" was more than a pharse; it was a military axiom. The book does a very creditable job explaining the difficulties of command on a battlefiled and also the logistical problems imposed by the technology of the time. I recomand this book for any serious student of the Gettysburg Campaing or those looking for a fuller understanding of Civil War combat.4 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Not Exactly Fair and BalancedBy Patrick L. BoyleThis is an excellent book but you must be prepared for the Southern Cause perspective. For example Lawrence Chamberlain on Little Round Top - the hero of Yankee Gettyburg accounts - is scarcely given a mention. In some ways this is good. There was a lot more going on on the second day than just the assault on the Union left flank.It is also hagiographic of Lee. The authors clearly come down on Lee's side in every dispute. For example the failure of the Rebels to take Cemetary Hill is explained as a failure of Ewell to follow Lee's clear order. Others; of course; don't think the order was all that clear.The traditional bogey man of Southern tilted accounts - Longstreet - gets off rather lightly here. The authors advance the proposition that Pickett's Charge succeeded in the sense that they did reach the Union lines and only failed because the support in Lee's plan was sabotaged by the failure of another Southern commander. Indeed in the three day battle this book claims Lee was denied victory three times - once each day - by failures of his subordinate commanders.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Should be in any Gettysburg LibraryBy Matthew BartlettPhilip M. Cole’s book Command and Communication Frictions in the Gettysburg Campaign brings about an interesting scholarship to the battle and campaign which has been so written about over and over again. But with grace; he has brought a new look into that which has been studied so prominently with fresh air. Cole is a licensed battlefield guide at Gettysburg and has military tradition in his family. He has traced his lineage to the 76th Pennsylvania Infantry otherwise known as the Keystone Zouves and has written other works on the battle most prominently the study of artillery on the field for those three days. Though published in 2006; Cole’s study on the command and communication frictions is more than just another Gettysburg study; it is a look into the structure and reason for some of the major problems in the battle when it comes to command. The book is split in half between Command Friction and Communication Friction and then subdivided among the many different things which could have interfered with their plans. One of the most interesting new points which Cole brings out is that Hooker did not just “make time” as Coddington states in his work; he had many communication frictions between himself and the high command in Washington. Another problem with communication he brings about is the use of time on the battlefield and just how much time it takes to send orders around on the field. Part of the command friction which was most interesting was the friction with senior commanders and wing commanders. Sometimes with complete disregard for orders; there were great issues among the men in the army. One thing which should have been obvious; but seems new in this work; is the personal relationships which are created through experience and can be a problem when the command changes. These studies are some of the reasons that this book should be among the library of any Gettysburg enthusiast. One of the most interesting things Cole does in his work is not pay too much attention to Stuart’s downfall during the campaign. He recognizes the previous work done of the subject and leaves well enough alone and makes room for new scholarship. Cole’s work is one of the best studies presented on command in quite some time and though it has been in print for about eight years; should be part of any study of Gettysburg by Civil War historians. This book is highly recommended for any interested in command structure or issues during the Gettysburg Campaign.Matthew Bartlett - Author of "The Gettysburg Chronicle"