Osprey Men-at-Arms 84 : Wellington's Generals

At the outbreak of the Napoleonic Wars the most usual, though not the only, method of obtaining a commission in the British Army was by purchase. Thereafter, further promotion was either by purchase of the next step in rank, by seniority, or by patronage of the commander-in-chief. Beyond the rank of lieutenant-colonel, however, promotion was entirely by seniority. The only exception to this ponderous system was the promotion, in 1813, of Wellington himself to field-marshal. Wellington, therefore, had little say in the appointment of general officers, and largely had to make do with what he was sent, even if this meant being saddled with likes of the drunken and short-sighted Sir William Erskine. Of the 85 officers who served in the field, only eight were men whom he had personally requested. Michael Barthorp examines in depth the background, character and war records of Wellington's commanding officers, from the undoubtedly talented cavalry officer, Henry Paget, whose dashing cavalry charge at Benavente kept the French horse from the heels of the retreating British infantry, to the courageous Thomas Picton, who commanded to the last, keeping the true extent of his injuries from his men. This book contains numerous illustrations including eight superb full page colour plates by Richard Hook.

Contents

• The Command and Staff System of Wellington's Army
• Henry Paget, Earl of Uxbridge
• Thomas Graham
• Edward Paget
• Stapleton Cotton
• Rowland Hill
• William Beresford
• Thomas Picton
• Galbraith Lowry Cole
• Robert Craufurd
• Charles von Alten
• Edward Pakenham
• George Murray
• The Plates