Featured battle : Nile [Aboukir Bay]

Part of The French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars

Date : 01 August 1798 - 02 August 1798

Having escorted Napoleon's transports for the invasion of Egypt De Bruey's anchored his fleet of 13 line of battle ships and four frigates close to the shore of Aboukir Bay. Nelson had been desperately seeking the French all over the Mediterranean and was greatly relieved to find them. Although it was nearly the end of the day Nelson decided to attack immediately and issued orders to that effect. His fleet of 12 line of battle ships approached the French line from windward. The first ship of his line was the Goliath which was steered to pass between the French and the shore. Four other ships of the line followed his course and the remainder sailed to the seaward side of the French. Although the French fought with exceptional bravery Nelson's victory was decisive, all but two of the French being sunk, burnt or captured.

The Second World War Through Soldiers Eyes

James Goulty
A great variety of soldiers speak through these pages and their experiences from Call-Up to post discharge is covered. There is mention of all theatres and all branches. Although, understandably, the bulk of the experiences are of active service I found the chapters on being a POW and the casualty/medical chapters fascinating as it is rare to find them dealt with in this way. James Goulty has done an excellent job in selecting quotations as his research must have led him to a very large pool. His text causes one to feel that ‘this is how it really was’.
It is not a large book, 179 pages, and therefore gives only an overview but the bibliography is very extensive. There is also a set of well annotated photographs.
Having read many books on detailed aspects of WW2 this book has a value in that it causes one to stand back and perhaps find a new focus. If you start this book you won’t put it down and we recommend you start it.

Pen & Sword Military, 2021