The history books have forgotten the artillery of Wellington's army during the Napoleonic Wars; but in this book Nick Lipscombe offers a study of the gunners through first-hand accounts; bringing life and color to their heroic actions.Wellington was; without doubt; a brilliant field commander; but his leadership style was abrupt and occasionally uncompromising; especially to his artillery. He trained his infantry generals as divisional commanders but not army commanders; for his cavalry commanders he had little time often pouring scorn on their inability to control their units and formation in battle; but it was his artillery commanders that he kept at arm's length in particular; suspicious of their different chain of higher command and of their selection through ability; rather than privilege. In consequence; Wellington's relationship with his gunners was dutiful at best; and occasionally failed completely. Frequently frustrated by his lack of control and influence over the artillery off the battlefield; Wellington would occasionally over-exert his authority on it; personally deploying the guns sometimes against the advice of his experts. Wellington's personal distrust culminated in a letter to The Master General of the Ordnance in December 1815 in which he commented; 'to tell you the truth; I was not very pleased with the Artillery in the battle of Waterloo'. This resulted in the mistaken belief that the gunners performed badly at this crucial battle; supposedly abandoning their guns and fleeing the field; in direct contrast to French eyewitness accounts. Wellington's Guns is the long overdue story of this often stormy relationship; the frustrations; challenges; the characters; and the achievements of the main protagonists as well as a detailed account of the British artillery of this period. Even with the valiant contribution of some 12;000 gunner officers; NCOs and rank and file; five battery honour titles; and numerous primary accounts; this is a story which has never been told. This despite the fact that the artillery itself was revolutionized during the course of the Napoleonic Wars from developing the vital 'danger-close' missions in the woods of Hougoumont; Belgium to the mountain gun attacks during the Pyrenean campaign of the Peninsular War and creeping barrages and Congreve rockets in all theatres; with the ultimate result that the artillery itself became a crucial component of any future and indeed modern army.
#193367 in Books Rutler George W 2017-01-26Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.90 x 1.00 x 6.00l; .0 #File Name: 1682780244288 pagesThe Stories of Hymns The History Behind 100 of Christianity s Greatest Hymns
Review
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful. Fr. Geo. Rutler writes another wonderful bookBy L. HooksI have sung most of these hymns for years. Sometimes noticing the names; years; composers; but never thought about their history. This book by Fr. Rutler gives a lot of detail and history. I am enjoying reading; especially my favorites!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Fr. George Rutler on hymns; and a whole lot moreBy Phyllis CoryHaving read most of Fr. Rutler's books; I know that he does not know how to write a bad book. In his list of 100 of the Christianity's greatest hymns; he provides information about the composer; sometimes with relevant theological insights. His dry wit is employed to make devastating albeit well deserved comments about contemporary church hymns. I also appreciated several informative asides to English history. Fr. Rutler's writing is simply elegant--terse sentences that infer far more than he explains. He seems to chat with his reader; which makes for a civilized evening. even0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great insight into the world's most beautiful hymnsBy Susan of So CalA fabulous read for anyone who loves the world's best hymns. Fr. Rutler provides context for the composition and his dry sense of humor makes the histories come alive. Bought a copy for a friend who also loves it.
