Battle Studies | Page 3

the most useful guides to a proper understanding of a war fought
nearly half a century later.

FRANK H. SIMONDS.
Snowville, New Hampshire, October 15, 1920.

TRANSLATORS' NOTE
Colonel Ardant du Picq's "Battle Studies" is a French military classic. It
is known to every French army officer; it is referred to as an established
authority in such works as Marshal Foch's "The Principles of War." It
has been eagerly read in the original by such American army officers as
have chanced upon it; probably only the scarcity of thinking men with
military training has precluded the earlier appearance of an American
edition.
The translators feel that the war with Germany which brought with it
some military training for all the best brains of the country has prepared
the field for an American edition of this book. They are sure that every
American reader who has had actual battle experience in any capacity
will at some point say to himself, "That is absolutely true...." or, "That
reminds me of the day...."
Appendices II, III, IV, and V, appearing in the edition from which this
translation is made, deal with issues and military questions entirely
French and not of general application. They are therefore not
considered as being of sufficient interest to be reproduced herein.
Appendix VI of the original appears herein as Appendix II.
The translation is unpretentious. The translators are content to exhibit
such a work to the American military public without changing its
poignancy and originality. They hope that readers will enjoy it as much
as they have themselves.
J. N. G. R. C. C.

INTRODUCTION

We present to the public the complete works of Colonel Ardant du Picq,
arranged according to the plan of the author, enlarged by unpublished
fragments and documents.
These unpublished documents are partially known by those who have
read "Studies on Combat" (Hachette & Dumaine, 1880). A second
edition was called for after a considerable time. It has left ineffaceable
traces in the minds of thinking men with experience. By its beauty and
the vigor of its teachings, it has created in a faithful school of disciples
a tradition of correct ideas.
For those familiar with the work, there is no need for emphasizing the
importance and usefulness of this rejuvenated publication. In it they
will find new sources of interest, which will confirm their admiration
for the author.
They will also rejoice in the popularity of their teacher, already highly
regarded in the eyes of his profession on account of his presentation of
conclusions, the truth of which grows with years. His work merits
widespread attention. It would be an error to leave it in the exclusive
possession of special writers and military technicians. In language
which is equal in power and pathetic beauty, it should carry its light
much further and address itself to all readers who enjoy solid thought.
Their ideas broadened, they will, without fail, join those already
initiated.
No one can glance over these pages with indifference. No one can fail
to be moved by the strong and substantial intellect they reveal. No one
can fail to feel their profound depths. To facilitate treatment of a
subject which presents certain difficulties, we shall confine ourselves to
a succinct explanation of its essential elements, the general conception
that unites them, and the purpose of the author. But we must not forget
the dramatic mutilation of the work unfortunately never completed
because of the glorious death of Ardant du Picq.
When Colonel Ardant du Picq was killed near Metz in 1870 by a
Prussian shell, he left works that divide themselves into two
well-defined categories:

(1) Completed works:
Pamphlet (printed in 1868 but not intended for sale), which forms the
first part of the present edition: Ancient Battle.
A series of memoirs and studies written in 1865. These are partly
reproduced in Appendices I and II herein.
(2) Notes jotted down on paper, sometimes developed into complete
chapters not requiring additions or revision, but sometimes abridged
and drawn up in haste. They reveal a brain completely filled with its
subject, perpetually working, noting a trait in a rapid phrase, in a
vibrating paragraph, in observations and recollections that a future
revision was to compile, unite and complete.
The collection of these notes forms the second part: Modern Battle.
These notes were inspired by certain studies or memoirs which are
presented in Appendices I-V, and a Study on Combat, with which the
Colonel was occupied, and of which we gave a sketch at the end of the
pamphlet of 1868. He himself started research among the officers of his
acquaintance, superiors, equals or subordinates, who had served in war.
This occupied a great part of his life.
In order to collect from these officers, without change or
misrepresentation, statements of their experiences while