This study analyses the readiness of the British military establishment for war in 1899 and its performance in the South African War (1899-1902). It focuses on the career of Field Marshal Paul Sanford, 3rd Baron Methuen, whose traditional military training, used so effectively in Queen Victoria's small wars, was put to the test by the modern challenges of the South African War. Through detailed analyses of Methuen's campaigns, this study demonstrates that neither Methuen nor the British army was prepared for modern warfare. Despite this, Methuen and the British officer class were able to make the necessary transition to defeat the Boers and propel the British army into the twentieth century.

The Making of an Officer -- The Baron's Son Joins the Guards (1864-81) -- Establishing a Name : From Egypt to India (1882-99) -- The Army's Scapegoat -- The British Army and the Outbreak of War in South Africa -- The Advance to Modder River -- Failure at Magersfontein -- The Restoration of a Career -- Restoring a Name -- From Notoriety to Obscurity -- Continuing to Serve.