When the American Revolution began; the colonial troops had little hope of matching His Majesty’s highly trained; experienced British and German legions in confrontational battle. Indeed; Washington’s army suffered defeat after defeat in the first few years of the war; fighting bravely but mainly trading space for time. However; the Americans did have a trump; in a reservoir of tough; self-reliant frontier fighters; who were brave beyond compare; and entirely willing to contest the King’s men with unconventional tactics. In this book; renowned author; and former U.S. Army Colonel; Robert Tonsetic describes and analyzes numerous examples of special operations conducted during the Revolutionary War. While the British might seize the coastlines; the interior still belonged to the Americans should the Empire venture inward. Most of the operations were conducted by American irregulars and volunteers; carefully selected; with specialized skills; and led by leaders with native intelligence. While General Washington endeavored to confront the Empire on conventional terms―for pure pride’s sake at the founding of the Republic--he meantime relied on his small units to keep the enemy off balance. The fledgling Continental Navy and Marines soon adopted a similar strategy. Realizing that the small American fleet was no match for the powerful British navy in major sea battles; the new Navy and its Marines focused on disrupting British commercial shipping in the Atlantic and Caribbean; and launching raids against British on-shore installations first in the Bahamas and then on the British coastline itself. As the war continued; Washington increasingly relied on special operations forces in the northeast as well as in the Carolinas; and ad hoc frontiersmen to defy British sovereignty inland. When the British and their Indian allies began to wage war on American settlements west of the Appalachians; Washington had to again rely on partisan and militias to conduct long-range strikes and raids targeting enemy forts and outposts. Throughout the war; what we today call SpecOps were an integral part of American strategy; and many of the lessons learned and tactics used at the time are still studied by modern day Special Operations forces. As this book establishes; the improvisation inherent in the American spirit proved itself well during the Revolution; continuing to stand as an example for our future martial endeavors.
#994146 in Books 2015-01-30 2015-02-13Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.30 x 1.30 x 6.40l; .0 #File Name: 1611212162384 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Bloody fights that gained not so muchBy Steven PetersonThis is a useful examination of one of General Ulysses Grant's efforts to move ahead the results of his siege of Petersburg and; ultimately; Richmond. He had a number of motives for the Weldon Railroad caper. At one level; to take the Weldon Railroad and end the supplies moving along its battered tracks to support the Confederate forces and others. At another level; a major attack might prevent Lee from reinforcing General Jubal Early's forces in the Shenandoah Valley.The attack had two components--first; an attack at the northern end of the Confederate trenches around Richmond and Petersburg; second; an attack at the other end of the Confederate lines on the Weldon Railroad. It was a complex operation (more so than my rendering of events). First; the Second Corps under General Winfield Scott Hancock; would be the primary voice attacking the Confederate lines outside Richmond. A part of the motivation here was to draw Confederate forces from other trenches to defend against this attack. Then; led by General Gouverneur Warren's Fifth Corps; there would be an attack on the Weldon Railroad at the other end of Confederate defenses; now hopefully denuded of some of its defenders.The fight at both ends was sanguinary. Union losses were heavy; but Confederate forces bled as well; as they could afford casualties less than Union forces. There were poor tactical movements throughout--especially by Union forces. Hancock "the Superb" was not at the top of his game (he actually ended up involved in both attacks!).This is a detailed analysis of the "one-two" punch launched by Grant. End results were rather meager; but in the end the Confederate lines were spread further; stretching the limited manpower that much more. And troops intended for Early's mission did not join him.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Get this bookBy CustomerJohn Horn has significantly expanded and broadened his analysis of the Fourth Offensive in this new edition of his original 1991 book; The Petersburg Campaign. With useful maps and a plethora of photographs Horn guides the readers through the complicated maneuvers of the battles of Deep Bottom; Globe Tavern; and Reams Station. Based on a deep reading of the sources; Horn provides a balanced interpretation of the Fourth Offensive; capped by an astute final chapter that measures the successes and failures of everyone involved; from the commanders to the privates who fought the battles. This book should be on the shelf of every student interested in the war in the East.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Horn tells the story in a clear and lucid manner that is easy and enjoyable to readBy Henry W. Persons; Jr.My original review was in error. Mr. Horn's book is full of valuable footnotes that support his narrative. Mr. Horn tells the story in a clear and lucid manner that is easy and enjoyable to read. Additionally he makes use of maps that help to graphically depict the events taking place. The book is well written and documented and will add greatly to the knowledge of this important portion of the war. I heartily recommend this book as a must have for one's library on this campaign.
