GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS
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First Chief of Combined Operations THE remarkable character of this young Swedish King compels admiration both for the high moral principles which prompted him to take the field and the amazing efficiency he displayed in conducting his campaigns. His influence on modern military organisation was profound and far reaching. The first of the moderns to base his tactics on fire-power instead of convention, he so improved his arms that rapidity of fire was three times that of contemporary forces. His armies were permanent and were scientifically organised with efficient supply bases, winter clothes and quarters. He founded combined tactics—artillery being fully established as a third arm of the services. He introduced the first cannon cartridge, paper cartridges for muskets, bandoliers and effectively used smoke. screens to cover his cavalry charges. Tactically, he restored mobility to warfare much as the tank is doing to-day. Gustavus was killed in battle at the age of 37 having reigned since a boy of 16 years. In the short space of 21 years he left an indelible mark upon military history.