First Prize: Forgotten Battle: A Command Analysis of Lieutenant-General Sir John Crocker GOC I British Corps 23 September - 8 November 1944

Authors

  • Major Nicholas Wheeler, CD, RMC, MA Wilfrid Laurier University

Abstract

This paper will demonstrate that Lieutenant-General Sir John Crocker effectively commanded I British Corps during its operations north of Antwerp. Through a comprehensive analysis of Crocker’s orders and actions, in conjunction with how he managed, organized, and fought I British Corps, it will be argued that he effectively commanded I British Corps from 23 September to 8 November by completing his assigned tasks through the successful application of 21st Army Group’s operational art. It will further argue that by the end of the battle, Crocker had earned the trust and respect of his formation commanders and their staffs through the effective use of mission command and the manner in which he led I British Corps.

Author Biography

Major Nicholas Wheeler, CD, RMC, MA, Wilfrid Laurier University

Major Nick Wheeler has served in the Canadian Armed Forces for over 20 years in a variety of leadership and staff officer positions, both domestically and internationally. His academic interests include military strategy, Canada in the First and Second World War, and insurgency/counter-insurgency warfare. He is currently a staff officer at the Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre and will begin his PhD in War Studies at RMC under the supervision of Dr. Doug Delaney in September.

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Published

2018-08-07

Issue

Vol. 18 No. 4 (2018)

Section

Annual National Student Award Competition