Lloyd George at the Ministry of Munitions

In the ministerial reshuffle that accompanied the formation of the Coalition, Lloyd George moved from the Exchequer to head the newly created Ministry of Munitions. He was able to make the Ministry a model of what could be achieved when a government department was inspiringly led. His essential aim was to produce more shells, the chief reason for the mounting criticism of Asquith's handling of the war.

Lloyd George, ably served by his departmental officials and by a series of experts…