If anyone wishes to know the history of this war, I will tell them that it is our maritime superiority gives me the power of maintaining my army while the enemy are unable to do so. Wellington's remark reveals that he fully appreciated the strategic importance of the naval support for his campaign, although it has largely escaped later historians. As this new book amply demonstrates, the maritime dimension was broad and deep: The Navy not only transported the armies to the theatre-and evacuated them when required, as at ...
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If anyone wishes to know the history of this war, I will tell them that it is our maritime superiority gives me the power of maintaining my army while the enemy are unable to do so. Wellington's remark reveals that he fully appreciated the strategic importance of the naval support for his campaign, although it has largely escaped later historians. As this new book amply demonstrates, the maritime dimension was broad and deep: The Navy not only transported the armies to the theatre-and evacuated them when required, as at Corunna-but also provided direct support to the land campaigns and tied down large numbers of enemy troops by diversions against coastal targets. But the biggest contribution was less visible, though arguably the most significant: In order not to lose local support, Wellington refused to let his army live off the land as the French had done, so all provisions-food, clothing, and arms-were supplied from the sea. This was an enormous undertaking, involving nearly 1000 ships (or about 10 percent of the British merchant marine), which had to be convoyed and protected.
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Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. This book is in good condition but will show signs of previous ownership. Please expect some creasing to the spine and/or minor damage to the cover. Ripped/damaged jacket. The dust jacket of this book is slightly damaged/ripped, however, this does not affect the internal condition. Aged book. Tanned pages and age spots, however, this will not interfere with reading.
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This is a very disappointing book and I don't particularly recommend it. It is too general and does not give enough detail about operations especially on the Biscay coastal area where the RN was a decisive force. I think, as an historian of the peninsular campaigns I could have written a better book.