Osprey Order of Battle 3 : Quebec 1759

In Quebec 1759, Rene Chartrand provides his usual high quality level of historical research, as well as unique insights into this famous campaign that determined the fate of New France. The book begins with eight pages that provide the strategic background to the campaign and outline the opposing French and British plans. However, the heart of the book consists of 49 pages spent detailing all the various French and British units that participated in the campaign. Each line infantry battalion receives one full page of coverage, listing its strength, organization and recent history. Minor units, such as the French colonial cavalry, various militias, Royal Marines, artillery and engineers also receive similar coverage. For anyone interested in the Quebec campaign, the order of battle information provided herein will be indispensable. There is also considerable information on the unit commanders interwoven throughout this section. The campaign itself is covered in the final 30 pages and Chartrand's summary is flawless. Many minor logistical and administrative issues are addressed, in addition to the tactical manoeuvring. Chartrand's account of the final climactic Battle on the Plains of Abraham, just outside of Quebec City on the 13th of September 1759, is the best that I have ever read concerning that action. A large foldout map of the battlefield is also provided. This is a superb piece of military historical research.