In this fascinating little book, Robert Baden-Powell uses his extensive military experience and memories of service in Africa to distill soldiering down to 'the four C-s': Courage, Common sense, Cunning and Cheerfulness. With observations gleaned from his campaigns against the Zulus, the Ashanti and the Boers during the period 1876–1910 (and even from conversations with the German Kaiser), B-P discusses all aspects of military service from digging trenches and earth-works to 'inculcating cheerfulness in your men'. This period document gives a unique insight into the mindset of the British officer in 1914; advocating a training system that encapsulated Edwardian values, conventional military thinking and centuries of army tradition. Quick Training For War is a perfect example of the type of war the British expected to fight and which they prepared for in 1914, and it became a standard survival guide for many British troops. Personable in tone, this is the well-intentioned, no-nonsense advice of a seasoned campaigner - albeit an officer more accustomed to scouting on the South African veldt than struggling through Somme mud.

In 1903, just after the end of the 2nd Boer War, B.F.S. Baden-Powell wrote this book to compile his thoughts on the changing tactics of modern warfare, particularly for infantry and cavalry units. Well illustrated with photos, drawings and his numerous personal experiences in the British army he outlines how the conduct of ground warfare was changing rapidly. So much so, his insights and observations would provide a rather accurate picture of what was to come in World War 1. His predictions on the soon obsolescense of mounted cavalry troops, to the growing firepower of machine guns utilized from field fortifications is quite profound. The focus on old-fashioned common sense soldiering, smart utilization of terrain, and even clever trench construction is still valid today. Each chapter includes many personal anecdotes to illustrate his lessons, and cover topics such as Attack, Defense, Selection of Ground & Positions, Fortifications, and Outposts. Many of his maxims are certainly still applicable for soldiers in current conflicts like Afghanistan, or Syria. A great companion read to this title is his brother's (Robert Baden-Powell) book on his own lessons from the Boer War, Quick Training for War. Keywords: Boer War,british,cavalry,fortification,tactics,south africa,infantry The Author: Major Baden F.S. Baden-Powell, born 1860, joined the British Army’s Scots Guards at age 21. He went on to serve with Gordon’s Nile Expedition to Egypt & Sudan. Later he served with the 1st battalion of his regiment in South Africa during the Second Boer War, and was present at the battles of Belmont (23 November 1899), Modder River (28 November 1899), and Magersfontein (11 Dec 1899). He was in the Relief Column that in May 1900 relieved the siege of Mafeking, where his elder brother (Robert) was in command. He was also a military aviation pioneer, and made the first British military balloon flight in 1894. Also serving as the President of the Royal Aeronautical Society from 1900 to 1907.

Lieutenant Craig Youngly has only ever wanted one thing in his life -- to join the illustrious Golden Guard. In pursuit of his goals, he has found himself protege to Raylynn Westwind, notable Guard member and favorite of Prince Baldair. He has fought for two years in the sweltering North and now prepares to embark on a mission on behalf of the Guard that could secure his long-sought membership. It's the opportunity Craig has been waiting for, until Raylynn's attention turns toward another swordsman, Daniel Taffl. Daniel has always been a man of modest aspirations. As a farmer's son from the East, he seeks a soldier's wage to support a future for the woman of his dreams when he returns from the front lines. It isn't until he's conscripted into Craig's mission that he learns his sword-craft has caught the eyes of the powers above him. Craig sees his mission as an opportunity to impress the guard and exert his authority over Daniel. Daniel sees it merely as the chance to secure a more financially stable future. Their goals seem too simple to go awry. But, in the perilous jungles of the North, luck is something both men find to be in short supply. THE FARMERS WAR is the final installment in the Golde Guard Trilogy, prequel stories to the AIR AWAKENS SERIES: Book One, THE CROWN'S DOG Book Two, THE PRINCE'S ROGUE Book Three, THE FARMER'S WAR