A historical war book which dates back to World War One could be revived in order to prepare Brits for conflict, including instructions on how to ration and clear hospitals
A war book from WW1 to prepare the nation for conflict is set to be revived, according to the head of the armed forces.
The manual was made in the First World War and was one of the first ‘government war books’ produced.
It was produced up until the early 2000s, and then halted due to costs.
Now, amid current conflict, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton has confirmed the book will be reproduced in order to help the public prepare for war.
He said that the manual would draw on lessons from the Cold War but “in a modern context, with a modern society, with modern infrastructure.”
The book detailed procedures which were rehearsed often, led by the Cabinet Office, and is believed to have boosted national resilience.
A modern version of the instructions would detail similar things to that of the past, including how to shut schools, ration food, clear hospitals and protect national treasures.
It would also include plans to mobilise military and civilians.
The idea to recirculate a modern version of the book comes as opposition politicians and experts have highlighted that the UK is not ready for conflict.
The defence chief said: “NATO describes the transition to conflict as a military component, but it also has a civilian component.”
The UK has enjoyed peace for many years but Sir Richard Knighton noted that Brits need to be aware of increasing threats to such.
“That requires us to educate ourselves and help the population understand some of those threats and help them understand what they can do to support the nation and potentially support the armed forces,” he added.
He said: “I talked before Christmas of the need for – when we think about renewing our water infrastructure or electricity or transport infrastructure – thinking about the threat of action from an adversary that is above the threshold of war, not just a hybrid threat.
‘”And think about how we build in that resilience as we renew it and that requires making some different choices and different priorities and that work that the Cabinet Office is doing across the whole of government is something that I really welcome.”
