ABSTRACT
The period 1870-75 was one in which the teaching of drill and, in particular, military drill, became an accepted practice in the nation's elementary schools. 1was sanctioned by the Department of Education and encouraged by members of Her Majesty's Inspectorllte. It was at that time, too, that the Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Commerce and Manufactures in Great Britain (hereafter referred to as the Society of Arts) involved itself in the issue. Drill, whether 'military' or 'ordinary' was accorded a place in the curriculum of most elementary schools. Whilst the subject itself found few to criticize its inclusion there was to be sustained discussion and argument as to the form it should take.
