E. D. (Ernest Dunlop) Swinton

The Defence of Duffer's Drift

"The Defence of Duffer's Drift" by E. D. Swinton is a short book published in 1904. Lieutenant Backsight Forethought must defend a river crossing against approaching Boer forces. Through six sequential dreams, he faces the same scenario repeatedly, learning from each defeat to improve his tactics. Early attempts end in disaster, but as he adapts his strategy and use of terrain, his defenses grow stronger. The book teaches critical thinking about small unit tactics and has influenced military training worldwide.