General Sir Ralph Abercromby and the French Revolutionary Wars 1792–1801 (Hardback)
Imprint: Pen & Sword Military
Pages: 336
Illustrations: 20
ISBN: 9781526741462
Published: 14th January 2019
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The French Revolutionary Wars of 1793-1801 are less well known than the Napoleonic Wars that followed, but they represent a critical stage in the political and diplomatic history of Europe, and Sir Ralph Abercromby played a leading role in the British military campaigns that were part of them. Carole Divall in this absorbing and perceptive study throws new light onto Britain’s position during the late eighteenth century, focusing on its military affairs and the expeditionary forces led by Abercromby during the conflict.
As tension between Britain and France grew after the convulsions of the French revolution, the British decided to wage an economic war by attacking French colonial possessions, and money and men were sent to campaign on the continent. Abercromby was the most notable British general to exercise command of these expeditions, and his actions and experiences are central to the narrative. He led British forces during the disastrous campaign in Flanders, achieved some success in St Lucia and Trinidad, failed at Den Helder and finally triumphed in Egypt where he lost his life in 1801.
As featured by
Waterloo Journal, Spring 2020
"In this study Divall goes some way to bringing to the public eye the earlier period and the significance of the earlier war."
Reviewed for Pike and Shot Society
Though it requires intense concentration, and with only a few images to portray the stories, Divall's knowledge of the General is unrivaled. A brilliant addition to any history buff's bookshelves.
Scottish Field (print & online), July 2019
As featured on the 'Scottish bookshelf'
The Scots magazine, June 2019
Featured by History of War
History of War, 2019
The work sets out chronologically the various campaigns with Abercromby’s contribution and will add to the knowledge of even those with a detailed understanding of this period. Abercromby is the leitmotif upon which the war from 1792 until his death is mounted.
Robert Bartlett
All military campaign books require clear maps, which this book has. It is a quality product printed and bound in Cornwall and an excellent addition to the works of military history of the Revolutionary Wars. The level and quality of the author’s research is evident as is her knowledge of the period though in the past her books have concentrated on Napoleon’s wars.
The author presents a perceptive study of the French Revolutionary Wars and a British General who was probably robbed of deserved notability as he died in his moment of triumph. - Much Recommended
Firetrench
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The book runs to 308 pages with some helpful tables showing troops available , together with a useful index and very comprehensive bibliography.
Army Rumour Service (ARRSE)
Illustrations are printed on glossy photo quality paper. The maps are relevant and clear.
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This is an excellent study of a commander and a conflict that has mostly been forgotten. It is well written and thoroughly researched. Highly recommended.
Balkan Wargamer
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As featured 'ON THE BOOK SHELF'
Wargames Illustrated, January 2019
This book forces the reader to look beyond the European battlefields and understand the strategic value of the coalition wars beyond the lands where the French Army reigned supreme. Part of the direction of the book is a review and rehabilitation of the reputation of General Sir Ralph Abercromby. To that extent it largely succeeds but Abercromby understood that service in the Caribbean was accompanied by disease and once garrisoned, a backwater for officers who wanted both health and career progression. On the other hand he laid the foundations for the British Army that was eventually to match the French in Europe and change the 19th Century at Waterloo. Interesting cameos of him nurturing and encouraging officers who would later become famous at Waterloo; perhaps that is his legacy.
Michael McCarthy
Michael McCarthy. Battlefield Guide
About Carole Divall
Carole Divall specializes in military history, focusing in particular on the British army during the Napoleonic Wars. She has published articles on regimental history, the workings of the army of Wellington’s time and aspects of the key campaigns. Her publications include Redcoats against Napoleon and Inside the Regiment, two studies of the officers and men of the 30th Regiment during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, Napoleonic Lives, Wellington’s Worst Scrape: The Burgos Campaign 1812 and Sir Ralph Abercromby and the French Revolutionary Wars 1792-1801.