Dr. Geoff Jackson will discuss the diaries of General David Watson. The presentation will focuses on the evolution of military leadership and associated challenges that Watson (and his peers) faced during the Great War. The talk will explain how he navigated not only the military battlefield in France and Belgium but also the political battlefield of the Canadian Expeditionary Force and larger British Expeditionary Force. The divisional commanders played a central role in the Corps’ transformation into a first-rate professional army, a transformation that coincided with Watson’s tenure at the 4th Division.

About Dr. Geoff Jackson:

GEOF JACKSON earned his PhD from the University of Calgary in 2013. He teaches at Mount Royal University in the Humanities department. He has published numerous articles and books in the field of Strategic Studies. He is author of two books: The Empire on the Western Front(UBC Press, 2019) and The War Diaries of David Watson(Wilfrid Laurier Press, 2021)

Offered in partnership with the Laurier Centre for Military, Strategic and Disarmament Studies.

Did you miss the live event? Watch the recording of Military Lecture: The War Diaries of General David Watson below: