The French Revolutionary Wars are far less well known than the Napoleonic Wars, the Generals of these earlier wars being equally less well known. The author presents a perceptive study of the French Revolutionary Wars and a British General who was probably robbed of deserved notability as he died in his moment of triumph. – Much Recommended
NAME: General Sir Ralph Abercromby and the French Revolutionary Wars, 1792- 1801 FILE: R2818 AUTHOR: Carole Divall PUBLISHER: Pen & Sword BINDING: hard back PAGES: 336 PRICE: £25.00 GENRE: Non Fiction SUBJECT: French Revolutionary Wars, British Expeditionary Forces, Europe, Caribbean, Egypt, sea power, empire colonies
ISBN: 1-52674-146-6
IMAGE: B2818.jpg BUYNOW: tinyurl.com/yy2ct957 LINKS: DESCRIPTION: The French Revolutionary Wars are far less well known than the Napoleonic Wars, the Generals of these earlier wars being equally less well known. The author presents a perceptive study of the French Revolutionary Wars and a British General who was probably robbed of deserved notability as he died in his moment of triumph. - Much Recommended The British have always had a desire to avoid maintaining large standing armies. A modest standing army is expanded with urgency as a new war errupts. This usually means that the first battles go against Britain as adequate resources are prepared and generals adapt to the new requirements of the latest war. This was the experience in many wars through history and none more so than the French Revolutionary Wars. What has always saved Britain, and given it the time to prepare for victory, is an effective Royal Navy that has time after time demonstrated its ability to achieve naval superiority. As Britain's overseas interests grew, the Royal Navy also provided the means to carry soldiers and the equipment of armies around the world to the furthest parts of the globe. This meant that expeditionary forces could be landed in Europe to fight in the Low Countries together with allies. This was further aided by British gold and supplies. It also meant that the first engagements there tended to be unproductive and this was the experience for General Abercromby in the Low Countries in 1793-5 and again in 1799 at Den Helder. His actions outside Europe were a different story. Abercomby achieved some solid success in the Caribbean and major success in Egypt. He was one of those few generals who was loved by his troops and respected by his contemporaries. He knew how to rally a demoralized army who could lead and support his soldiers. Like Nelson, Abercromby was killed in his moment of victory, but unlike Nelson, he was followed by a new rising star, Wellington, who fought through the Iberian Campaigns and invaded France, otherwise, Abercromby might have been as famous today as Nelson. This is an absorbing review of a major military figure in the British forces. There is also a fascinating black and white photo-plate section that supports the able text.