we seem to have added television personalities to the list of eminent historians now..

Where you said "he and his team clearly said the men were well led" where does he say that? How many minutes in?

Having the capability and using it are two different things. I could own a F1 car but I couldn't do a lap without spinning off on the first bend.

You mention the attitudes of people at the time. You mention that we were put in a position where fighting seemed inevitable. Attitudes based on what they were told. Situation based on incompetence causing the situation in the first place.

"Honour treaties, protect the empire."

Paxman was bang on. Pity you can't digest what you read....