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Whether any advantage or benefit will be drawn from the suspension
or effective abolition of the rank of Field Marshal is debatable.
What is certain, however, is that Dr. Tony Heathcote s idea of
compiling a definitive biographical dictionary of holders of this
illustrious rank since its introduction by George II in 1736, is
opportune and inspired.Those readers who anticipate a dry
recitation of bare facts and statistics are in for a
disappointment. A reference work this may be but the author, by
dint of his depth of knowledge, has created a shrewd and highly
readable commentary as well.As General Sir Charles Guthrie (the
first soldier to be denied promotion to Field Marshal on
appointment to Chief of Defense Staff) observes in his Foreword,
this book embraces the history of the British Army over the last
250-300 years. It covers not only the careers of key individuals
but provides an understanding of their contribution to the
successes and failures of our military past. The diversity of
personalities, who have only the honor of wearing the coveted
crossed batons in common, is fascinating. Alongside the household
names of the great strategists and distinguished leaders lie little
known and forgotten figures, who gained their exalted rank by
either luck, accident of birth or diplomatic gesture.The British
Field Marshals merits a place on the bookshelf of any military
historian but is likely to be found on his or her bedside table.
Whether or not the rank is ever resurrected, as it has been in the
past and as many will hope it will be again, this delightful and
useful book will remain the authoritative guide to all those who
have held the highest military rank in the British Army.REVIEWS
'...proven one of the most useful, ready references to the senior
most officers in the British Army...a valuable reference for anyone
doing British military history."NYMAS"
In 1858, Ensign Hugh Pearson embarked at Chatham for service with
the 84th (York and Lancaster) Regiment in India, little suspecting
that within a few short months he would be taking part in the
dramatic events of the Indian Rebellion. His letters to his family,
published here for the first time, tell of the dramatic events that
unfolded from the first rumblings of unrest at Barrackpore, to the
shocking news of the massacre at Cawnpore, and the struggle to
relieve Lucknow. Pearson offers a remarkable insight into the
career of a young regimental officer in Queen Victoria's army, as
well as an enticing glimpse of family life. Peace gives him the
chance to engage in his favourite pastime - shooting - whilst war
offers the opportunity for promotion and loot. But as the campaign
continues and his comrades begin to fall, Pearson begins to long
for home.
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