Featured battle : Talavera

Part of The French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars

Date : 27 July 1809 - 29 July 1809

Famous victory over King Joseph Bonaparte's French troops, by Sir Arthur Wellesley, later Duke of Wellington. It was for this victory that he was created Viscount Wellington of Talavera. The British held a small ridge overlooking the plain and the initial French attacks were launched piecemeal against this front. Frontal attacks continued through the night and next day. On the morning of the 29th the arrival of the British Light Brigade [having marched 42 miles in 26 hours] hastened the French dis-engagement and withdrawal.

Coastal Defences of the British Empire

Daniel MacCannell
The physical structures for the defence of the coasts are occasionally touched upon but rarely dealt with in detail. That this book does just that makes it special. The text flows easily and covers the political background, the designs and discussions around them and goes on to the building, equipping and manning of the great variety of structures. In addition to the British Isle overseas territories are covered. There are lots of illustrations placed in their relevant locations throughout the book. Among the extensive end notes there are many references out to further reading.
This is both an informative and enjoyable read which we recommend to all readers.

Pen & Sword Military, 2021