Wolfe, Montcalm, and the Principles of Joint Operations in the Quebec

The attached article is an excellent analysis of the opposing tactics in the 1759 Quebec campaign. As was mentioned, the British had no formal military education for their officers, and in particular for newly-joined regimental officers. They learned "on the job" from their serjeants or more senior officers. Wolfe was a military visionary for his time. As a field officer of the 20th Foot in the early 1750s, Wolfe had codified his ideas in his book, Instructions for Young Officers, to include the idea that the troops should actually take aim (rather than just pointing their muskets in the direction of the enemy) at an "object" (i.e., enemy soldier) to make volleys more effective. Wolfe also incorporated other new or revived ideas, such as marching in step to a uniform cadence and pace, and a new method of charging bayonets (the old method went back to the 17th century). As the Army CinC at Quebec, Wolfe had a contentious relationship with his three Brigadiers (who did not much like Wolfe and often disagreed) and their advice was against the plan that was ultimately followed. Wolfe not only had to coordinate with the Navy to get his troops to the landing place, but he had to take charge to ensure his Brigadiers did what he wanted. Wolfe (like Montcalm) led "from the front" and was wounded three times, one of which killed him. The Brigadier who took charge after Wolfe's death did not have the inspiration to totally seal the British victory, and many French troops escaped, only to surrender later. He also did not have the inspiration to hold together the British charge after "the most perfect volley ever fired" destroyed the French line and caused them to run pell-mell back to Quebec's fortification (it was a walled city then). For example, the 78th Regiment (Fraser's Highlanders) immediately dropped their bayoneted muskets (in accordance with Highland tradition) and charged with their broadswords. When they encountered groups of militia and Indians on the field, they had no way to fight back and took higher casualties. IMHO, had Wolfe survived the battle and lived until the American Revolution, the Patriot side under Washington might have had a more difficult time of it.