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Recollections Of The Eventful Life Of A Soldier: By The Late Joseph Donaldson, Sergeant In The Ninety-Fourth Scots Brigade
by Sergeant Joseph DonaldsonDonaldson "was born in Glasgow, where his father was employed by a mercantile house. With some school companions he ran away to sea and made a voyage to the West Indies, which disenchanted him of a sea life, and he returned home and was sent back to school by his father. Early in 1809 he again ran away, and without communicating with his friends enlisted in the old 94th (Scotch, or Scots, brigade). He accompanied the regiment to Jersey, then to Spain, where it took part in the desperate defence of Fort Matagorda during the siege of Cadiz, and afterwards was with Picton's division in the principal battles and sieges in the Peninsula from 1811 to 1814" (Oxford DNB). He "was an intelligent man, and possessed a wider set of interests than was common in the ranks, so that it is always worthwhile to look up his notes and observations. His description of the horrors of Masséna's retreat from Portugal in 1811 is a very striking piece of lurid writing . . . The Eventful Life of a Soldier is well worth reading" (Oman, Wellington's army p. 30).Author -- Sergeant Joseph Donaldson (1793-1830)Text taken, whole and complete, from the edition published in Philadelphia, G. B. Zieber & co., 1845.Original Page Count - vii, and 231 p.Illustrations -- 9 maps and plans.
Recollections Of The Storming Of The Castle Of Badajos
by Captain James MaccarthyThe situation for the Duke of Wellington and his British and Portuguese troops in 1812 was somewhat perilous. Although they had chased Masséna and his French Legions from Spain, overwhelming numbers of enemy troops were still in Spain despite being scattered through the provinces. For Wellington to move forward and take the fight to the enemy, he would have to take the two border fortresses of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajos, and do so quickly before the bickering French marshals united against him. After capturing Ciudad Rodrigo in a bloody but short siege, the Iron Duke turned his attention on the much more formidable fortress of Badajos, a fortress that they had failed to take before.The few trained Allied engineers were bolstered by volunteer officers like the author Captain MacCarthy, who undertook the dangerous work of the engineers. However, a lack of artillery and shot meant that the task would be exceptionally difficult, and pressed by time Wellington orders an early assault by the best of his infantry over barely practicable breeches. As a diversion, he also orders an attempt to capture the castle of Badajos by escalade - the author himself being part of this diversionary effort. In the event, the breeches prove to be impregnable and after repeated murderous attempts, the defences of Badajos are only breached by the ladder borne assault on the castle.Captain MacCarthy's short narrative is vividly written filled with the blood and shot of the siege and the castle's final capture.
Recollections and Anecdotes; being a second series of Reminiscences of the Camp, the Court, and the Clubs. (Reminiscences of Captain Gronow, formerly of the Grenadier Guards #2)
by Captain Rees Howell GronowThis ebook is purpose built and is proof-read and re-type set from the original to provide an outstanding experience of reflowing text for an ebook reader. Captain Gronow, joined the Grenadier guards as a young subaltern in 1812, having completed his studies at Eton and was widely know in England and the Continent thereafter as a raconteur and a fine pistol shot. His "Reminiscences" span four volumes in their original edition, an edited version was produced around the turn of the 19th century, having varied titles but following a stream of collected anecdotes set in distinct eras. These memoirs have achieved a high degree of fame and are justly accorded much historical respect, especially in those incidents where Gronow was personally present to record the words and deeds of those around him. Although admitted to the highest society, Gronow is far from being a snob and his works bear the stamp of a high degree of moral probity, they could not be described as the handiwork of a gossip. In this the second volume, there is a more diverse range in the anecdotes, rather than focussing in on a particular period of his life, Gronow's work is roughly divided into two parts; the first is more of eye-witness account the 1815 campaign and particularly the battle of Waterloo. He is critical of what has been published by some of the French historians who wrote somewhat biased views, and indeed what was reported as Napoleon's view of the battle. The second part focuses on the Court and the Clubs, with further tales of famous figures of the era, their vices and their stories. The great and the good of the period appear in thumb sketches and anecdotes; men such as The Duke of Wellington, Napoleon's family including Madame Mére, Hortense, Jérome et al, Beau Brumell, The Prince Regent, General Ornano, Lord Byron, Shelley, the Duke of York, Alexandre Dumas, Balzac all feature. "Reading Gronow is like drinking champagne - effervescent and mildly addictive" Author - Captain Rees Howell Gronow - (1794-1865) Text taken, whole and complete, from the edition published in 1865, London, Smith, Elder and Company. Original - 228 pages. Linked TOC
Recollections and Letters of General Lee
by Robert E. LeeBiography of the famous general by his son
Recollections and Letters of General Robert E. Lee
by Robert E. LeeGeneral Robert E. Lee was the most heroic figure of the Civil War, but to many, he is a solitary figure. This book fleshes out the man and reveals the workings of a great military mind and a warm, understanding, and generous human being. It shows all the facets of the general during the war; at the conclusion, when he was an outspoken proponent of a reasonable peace which would allow the South to rejoin the Union; and after the war, when he served as president of Washington College, and became a driving force for the creation of a viable educational system. This anthology shows all these facets of the general, through his correspondence and through the revealing insight supplied by his son. No other collection of source materials gives such a whole and rewarding picture of one of the South's greatest sons and heroes.
Recollections of Colonel de Gonneville Vol. I (Recollections of Colonel de Gonneville #1)
by Colonel Aymar-Olivier Le Harivel De GonnevilleStep into the vivid and action-packed world of 19th-century military life with Colonel Aymar-Olivier Le Harivel De Gonneville's "Recollections of Colonel de Gonneville." This engaging memoir offers a firsthand account of Colonel de Gonneville's experiences, providing readers with a unique perspective on the historical events and personal encounters that shaped his distinguished career.Colonel de Gonneville, a seasoned military officer, presents a rich tapestry of recollections that span his years of service in the French army. From the bustling streets of Paris to the battlefields of Europe, his narrative captures the essence of a soldier’s life during a time of significant political and social upheaval. De Gonneville who served with, among others, the 13th Cuirassier Regiment, Marshal Suchet's best mounted unit, gives a contemporary picture of events in Austria, Prussia and Spain during the Napoleonic Wars."Recollections of Colonel de Gonneville" delves into the Colonel's participation in key military campaigns, offering detailed descriptions of battles, strategies, and the camaraderie of soldiers. His keen observations and reflective insights provide a deeper understanding of the complexities and challenges faced by military leaders. De Gonneville’s memoir is not just a chronicle of warfare; it also highlights the personal side of military service, sharing anecdotes about his interactions with notable figures, the friendships forged in the heat of battle, and the toll of conflict on both body and spirit.This memoir is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in military history, providing an authentic and personal glimpse into the life of a 19th-century French officer. "Recollections of Colonel de Gonneville" stands as a testament to the courage, resilience, and dedication of those who serve, preserving the legacy of an era through the eyes of one who lived it.Join Colonel Aymar-Olivier Le Harivel De Gonneville on a journey through his remarkable military career and discover the stories that have shaped history. This compelling memoir offers a rare and intimate portrait of a soldier’s life, filled with adventure, wisdom, and enduring human spirit.
Recollections of Colonel de Gonneville Vol. II (Recollections of Colonel de Gonneville #2)
by Colonel Aymar-Olivier Le Harivel De GonnevilleStep into the vivid and action-packed world of 19th-century military life with Colonel Aymar-Olivier Le Harivel De Gonneville's "Recollections of Colonel de Gonneville." This engaging memoir offers a firsthand account of Colonel de Gonneville's experiences, providing readers with a unique perspective on the historical events and personal encounters that shaped his distinguished career.Colonel de Gonneville, a seasoned military officer, presents a rich tapestry of recollections that span his years of service in the French army. From the bustling streets of Paris to the battlefields of Europe, his narrative captures the essence of a soldier’s life during a time of significant political and social upheaval. De Gonneville who served with, among others, the 13th Cuirassier Regiment, Marshal Suchet's best mounted unit, gives a contemporary picture of events in Austria, Prussia and Spain during the Napoleonic Wars."Recollections of Colonel de Gonneville" delves into the Colonel's participation in key military campaigns, offering detailed descriptions of battles, strategies, and the camaraderie of soldiers. His keen observations and reflective insights provide a deeper understanding of the complexities and challenges faced by military leaders. De Gonneville’s memoir is not just a chronicle of warfare; it also highlights the personal side of military service, sharing anecdotes about his interactions with notable figures, the friendships forged in the heat of battle, and the toll of conflict on both body and spirit.This memoir is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in military history, providing an authentic and personal glimpse into the life of a 19th-century French officer. "Recollections of Colonel de Gonneville" stands as a testament to the courage, resilience, and dedication of those who serve, preserving the legacy of an era through the eyes of one who lived it.Join Colonel Aymar-Olivier Le Harivel De Gonneville on a journey through his remarkable military career and discover the stories that have shaped history. This compelling memoir offers a rare and intimate portrait of a soldier’s life, filled with adventure, wisdom, and enduring human spirit.
Recollections of Marshal Macdonald, Duke of Tarentum. — Vol. I (Recollections of Marshal Macdonald, Duke of Tarentum #1)
by Camile Rousset Marshal Etienne-Jacques-Joseph-Alexandre Macdonald, Duc de Tarente Stephen Louis SimeonThe dignity of Marshal of France was to be the apogee of success for any general in Napoleonic France, since the Emperor only created 26 during his years on the throne. Fame, riches and high station in the Imperial Court were the bountiful reward for hard service on the battlefield. Napoleon handed out these dignities, along with kingdoms, principalities, admiralties, dukedoms for more than purposes of recognition; they were also to bind the recipient to his empire even more tightly. Marshal Macdonald was not a man to be flattered or bought; he was of Scottish descent and held his own views. His memoirs bear this imprint of forthright opinion, which had led him into trouble with the Emperor, but such was his value on the battlefield he was courted again by Napoleon.Marshal Macdonald fought all across Europe, particularly at the battle of Jemappes in the Revolutionary armies on the Rhine. He fought well under Napoleon's eagles in Spain, Russia, Germany and France itself. Outstanding at the battle of Wagram, his attack on the Austrian centre, for which he became the only man to be made marshal on the field of battle by Napoleon, clinched the day. Never wholly Napoleon's man, he was a prime mover in forcing his master's abdication in 1814 and refused to rejoin him in 1815.This first volume Marshal Macdonald recounts his life up to and including the battle of Wagram in 1809. Author - Marshal Macdonald, Etienne-Jacques-Joseph-Alexandre, Duc de Tarente, 1765-1840.Editor - Rousset, Camille, 1821-1892.Translator - Simeon, Stephen Louis, 1857-1937Text taken, whole and complete, from the edition published in 1892, London, by Richard Bentley and Son.Original Page Count - 355 pages.
Recollections of Marshal Macdonald, Duke of Tarentum. — Vol. II (Recollections of Marshal Macdonald, Duke of Tarentum #2)
by Camile Rousset Marshal Etienne-Jacques-Joseph-Alexandre Macdonald, Duc de Tarente Stephen Louis SimeonThe dignity of Marshal of France was to be the apogee of success for any general in Napoleonic France, since the Emperor only created 26 during his years on the throne. Fame, riches and high station in the Imperial Court were the bountiful reward for hard service on the battlefield. Napoleon handed out these dignities, along with kingdoms, principalities, admiralties, dukedoms for more than purposes of recognition; they were also to bind the recipient to his empire even more tightly. Marshal Macdonald was not a man to be flattered or bought; he was of Scottish descent and held his own views. His memoirs bear this imprint of forthright opinion, which had led him into trouble with the Emperor, but such was his value on the battlefield he was courted again by Napoleon.Marshal Macdonald fought all across Europe, particularly at the battle of Jemappes in the Revolutionary armies on the Rhine. He fought well under Napoleon's eagles in Spain, Russia, Germany and France itself. Outstanding at the battle of Wagram, his attack on the Austrian centre, for which he became the only man to be made marshal on the field of battle by Napoleon, clinched the day. Never wholly Napoleon's man, he was a prime mover in forcing his master's abdication in 1814 and refused to rejoin him in 1815.This second volume Marshal Macdonald recounts his experiences up to the fall of Napoleon in 1815. Title - Recollections of Marshal Macdonald, Duke of Tarentum. -- Vol. IISeries Name - Recollections of Marshal Macdonald, Duke of Tarentum.Series Number --2Author - Marshal Macdonald, Etienne-Jacques-Joseph-Alexandre, Duc de Tarente, 1765-1840.Editor - Rousset, Camille, 1821-1892.Translator - Simeon, Stephen Louis, 1857-1937Text taken, whole and complete, from the edition published in 1892, London, by Richard Bentley and Son.Original Page Count - 328 pages.
Recollections of Military Service in 1813, 1814, and 1815, through Germany, Holland, and France: including some Details of the Battles of Quatre Bras and Waterloo [New Edition]
by Sgt. Thomas MorrisThis account of military service during the Peninsular War penned by the late sergeant of the 2nd Battalion of the 73rd Regiment of Foot, Thomas Morris, who was not even born by the time of the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789. At the tender age of 16 in 1812 he became a substitute volunteer in the British Army, enticed by the tales of derring-do and the £60 bounty paid to each man. Even at that young age he had a fine eye for detail and anecdote which he took to Belgium to join the forces pressing Napoleon back into France. He served at the battle of Waterloo in which his regiment was heavily engaged in some of the fiercest fighting charged by French Cavalry no less than 11 times during the battle and bombarded by French artillery. It remained in square without breaking. The 2nd/73rd lost 6 officers and 225 men killed and wounded, the second heaviest casualties suffered by a line infantry regiment.
Recollections of Sir George B. L’Estrange
by Sir George B. L’estrangeThis ebook is purpose built and is proof-read and re-type set from the original to provide an outstanding experience of reflowing text for an ebook reader. Sir George L'Estrange was only an ensign when he started on his Peninsular career in the 31st or Huntingdonshire Regiment of Foot, joining the war in 1812. Arriving in Portugal and meeting with his cousin, who had escaped from French capture at Verdun, Sir George recounts his cousin's story before returning to his own narrative and his first major engagement at the battle of Vittoria in 1813. His experiences of the fighting after Vittoria until the end of the war make up the majority of the book: encompassing snow-bound bivouacs in the Pyrenees; hard fighting at Orthez; and his trials at the forefront of the fighting. The finale details various anecdotes that he must have heard from brother officers whilst on duty in Spain and Portugal. A solid memoir with much to recommend it to the reader. Title - Recollections of Sir George B. L'Estrange Sub-Title - Late of the 31st Regiment, and Afterwards of the Scots Fusilier Guards Author -- Sir George B. L'Estrange (1796-1878) Text taken, whole and complete, from the edition published in 1874, London, by Marston, Low, & Searle. Original - viii and 280 pages. Illustrations - one portrait and 8 illustrations.
Recollections of a Civil War Quartermaster: The Autobiography of William G. Le Duc
by William G. Le DucConcerned with the logistical details of supplying the Army of the Potomac as it bogged down during the Peninsula campaign or of commandeering a steamboat to relieve the siege and get food to stranded soldiers at Chattanooga, Le Duc tells his story of mud-choked roads, incompetent commanders, and what he understands as the crucial factor necessary for the Union's success in battle: a well-supplied army. Through his close association with Generals McClellan and Meade, Hooker and Sherman, Le Duc learned to master the army's bureaucracy and overcome the hardships of trying to keep Union supplies on the move. His compelling memoir is unique in depicting the details of life in the Quartermaster Department."This is one of the best surviving sources on how the Union supplied its troops during the Civil War. Le Duc's lively memoir details operations of several western armies, and his friendship with General W. T. Sherman reveals much about living off the enemy's country and Atlanta's fall." — Frank E. Vandiver, author of 1001 Things Everyone Should Know about the Civil War and Civil War Battlefields and Landmarks-Print ed.
Recollections of a Maryland Confederate Soldier and Staff Officer Under Johnston, Jackson and Lee
by McHenry HowardMcHenry Howard was the son of Colonel John Eager Howard of the revolution. His mother was the daughter of Francis Scott Key. At the outbreak of the civil war Mr. Howard was living in Baltimore, making his way to Richmond, he entered the First Maryland regiment, becoming a sergeant in Company H, and served under Joseph E. Johnston until March, 1862. At that time he was appointed aide on the staff of Brigadier General C. S. Winder, with whom he served until the death of the latter at Cedar Run, August 9, 1862. For some months he was acting ordnance officer on the staff of Brigadier General G. H. Steuart, acting sometimes as inspector general and sometimes as adjutant general. In company with Steuart he was captured at Spotsylvania and spent several months in Fort Delaware, whence he was sent to Savannah in November, 1864, for exchange. After this was effected he returned to Richmond; and in January, 1865, he became acting inspector general on the staff of Major General G. W. C. Lee, with whom he retired from Richmond. Captured at Sailor's creek, Lieutenant Howard was sent to the old capitol prison, Washington, where he was on the night of Lincoln's assassination. He was transferred to Johnson's island, in Lake Erie, whence he was released in May, 1865.The book is what it claims to be, “recollections,” and not an attempt at a systematic study of the war...One of its most attractive features is the revelation of the personality of the author, which is found on every page. The reader feels anxious to know him. The personal side of army life is of course stressed on the field, in battle, in camp, and in prison.
Recollections of a Peninsular Veteran
by Pickle Partners Publishing Captain Acland Anderson Lt.-Colonel Joseph Anderson C.B. K.H.This ebook is purpose built and is proof-read and re-type set from the original to provide an outstanding experience of reflowing text for an ebook reader. Lt. Col, Anderson wrote his memoirs as for his own family not suspecting their interest to the larger reading public. As such they hold a charm of their own apart from a number of the more swashbuckling accounts of soldier's adventures in the British army during the Napoleonic and Victorian periods. That is not to say that they are staid in any way but written from a more modest view-point than some. Joining the British army at the tender age of fifteen as an ensign in the 78th Regiment of Foot, he took part on the clash at Maida in which an out-numbered British force decisively defeated the French division of General Reynier. Posted to the main Peninsular theatre of war, he took part on the battles of Talavera, Busaco and Fuentes d'Oñoro. A humane and reasonable man capable of great bravery, such as going into French lines to recover the body of his dead friend, Anderson's memoirs have deserved a greater audience than the circle of his family and were duly published after his death. Text taken, whole and complete, from the 1913 edition published in London by Edward Arnold, Original 330 pages. Author - Lt.-Col Joseph Anderson C.B. K.H. 01/06/1790 - ??/01/1877 Foreword - Captain Acland Anderson ????-????
Recollections of a Tejano Life: Antonio Menchaca in Texas History
by Jesús F. de la Teja Timothy MatovinaSan Antonio native, military veteran, merchant, and mayor pro tem José Antonio Menchaca (1800–1879) was one of only a few Tejano leaders to leave behind an extensive manuscript of recollections. Portions of the document were published in 1907, followed by a “corrected” edition in 1937, but the complete work could not be published without painstaking reconstruction. At last available in its entirety, Menchaca’s book of reminiscences captures the social life, people, and events that shaped the history of Texas’s tumultuous transformation during his lifetime. Highlighting not only Menchaca’s acclaimed military service but also his vigorous defense of Tejanos’ rights, dignity, and heritage, Recollections of a Tejano Life charts a remarkable legacy while incorporating scholarly commentary to separate fact from fiction. Revealing how Tejanos perceived themselves and the revolutionary events that defined them, this wonderfully edited volume presents Menchaca’s remembrances of such diverse figures as Antonio López de Santa Anna, Jim Bowie, Davy Crockett, Sam Houston, General Adrián Woll, Comanche chief “Casamiro,” and Texas Ranger Jack Hays. Menchaca and his fellow Tejanos were actively engaged in local struggles as Mexico won her independence from Spain; later many joined the fight to establish the Republic of Texas, only to see it annexed to the United States nine years after the Battle of San Jacinto. This first-person account corrects important misconceptions and brings previously unspoken truths vividly to life.
Recollections of an Airman (Vintage Aviation Library)
by Louis Arbon StrangeThis candid WWI memoir takes readers inside the cockpit with an RAF officer on the Western Front from the outbreak the Great War until its end in 1918. Louis Arbon Strange was at the Royal Air Force&’s Central Flying School when war broke out in 1914. He immediately reported to Royal Flying Corps headquarters and joined No. 5 Squadron. Strange remained on active duty throughout the war, serving his country over the Western Front from August of that year until the enemy&’s surrender. Strange transferred to No. 6 Squadron in 1915 and went on to form and command No. 23 Squadron. Due to illness, he did not accompany his squadron to France, but spent that time training others. He took charge of the Machine-Gun School at Hythe and other schools of aerial gunnery before returning to the Front. There he commanded the 23rd Wing and finally took command of the 80th Wing from June 1918 until the end of the war. As Strange chronicles his experiences, he provides unique insight into how and why the Allied airmen eventually prevailed.
Recollections of an Old Soldier. The Life of Captain David Perry, a Soldier of the French and Revolutionary Wars
by David PerryRecollections of an Old Soldier by Captain David Perry is a captivating first-hand account of the life and experiences of a soldier who served during two pivotal periods in history: the French and Indian War and the American Revolutionary War. In this autobiographical memoir, Perry vividly recounts his journey from a young recruit to a seasoned captain, offering readers an intimate glimpse into the trials, triumphs, and transformations of a life shaped by conflict.Through Perry’s detailed recollections, readers are transported to the battlefields of early America, where he fought alongside legendary figures and witnessed the struggles of a fledgling nation fighting for independence. His narrative sheds light on the realities of 18th-century military life, from the camaraderie and courage of soldiers to the hardships of war, including grueling marches, skirmishes, and the constant threat of death.More than a war story, this book provides insight into the personal reflections of a man deeply committed to his country and ideals. Perry’s accounts are interwoven with historical context, offering a valuable perspective on the events and decisions that shaped the course of American history. His observations also delve into the human side of war, reflecting on themes of honor, sacrifice, and resilience.Recollections of an Old Soldier is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts, scholars, and anyone intrigued by personal accounts of the American Revolution and its precursor conflicts. This memoir stands as a tribute to the courage and endurance of those who fought to define a nation, preserving their stories for generations to come.
Recollections of the Great War in the Air: Recollections Of The Great War In The Air (Eyewitnesses from The Great War)
by James McConnell&“The memoir of . . . an American pilot flying with the famous French Flying Corps&’ American Layfayette Escadrille and provides a unique personal insight.&”—Firetrench In 1915 James Roger McConnell enlisted as a US volunteer in the French Flying Corps. He was part of a remarkable band of American volunteers which were formed into the famous Lafayette Escadrille, which was then based at Verdun. This book brings his personal account of the war, Flying for France, to a new generation of readers. His memoirs produce an amazing insight into the early aerial battles and trace the evolution of aerial warfare as the rickety aircraft of 1915 rapidly evolved into the purpose-built fighters of 1917. Casualties among the American Escadrille were very high and McConnell&’s own luck finally ran out when he was ambushed by two German fighters and was killed in action in March 1917. His gripping and detailed memoir of the war is his lasting memorial; his honest account of the everyday life of a pilot in the Great War is matched only by Sagittarius Rising. However, his dramatic description of the battlefield of Verdun viewed from above is one of the classic descriptions of any wartime memoir and is unmatched by any other Great War writer. &“Resurrects an important part of the first-person literature of the Lafayette Escadrille. A long-lost gem.&”—Over the Front &“The memoir and letters give a surprising amount of detail about the pilot&’s life and tactics employed. McConnell&’s story is certainly an interesting one and this is a short and easily digestible introduction to the life of a First World War pilot.&”—WW1 Geek
Recollections of the Great War: Three Years on Campaign in France and Flanders with the Northumberland Fusiliers (Eyewitnesses from The Great War)
by Francis BuckleyThis rare primary source account is the story of the hard fighting battalion of the 7th Northumberland Fusiliers, which saw action on the Somme, Passchendaele and in the Battle of Arras. This wonderfully detailed account provides a rare insight into the experiences of the common soldier on the front line during some of the bitterest conflicts of the war.Unembellished and unwavering in his account, Francis Buckley here records not only the events of the battles he fought in, but also provides an emotional tribute to the heroism of the friends he made and lost during his time in the field. As well as his fellow troops of the 7th Northumberland Fusiliers, Buckley also remembers, with great fondness, the bravery of the officers and men of the 149th Infantry Brigade, and of the 50th Division. His recollections here provide a poignant reminder of the true human cost of war in the modern age.
Recollections of the Kabul Campaign, 1879 & 1880
by Lieut.-Col. Joshua DukeRecollections of the Kabul Campaign, 1879 & 1880 is a firsthand account of the Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878-80). The author, Joshua Duke, was a British officer in the Bengal Medical Service, attached to “our native army in India.” The war began in Nov. 1878 when Great Britain, fearful of what it saw as growing Russian influence in Afghanistan, invaded the country from British India.The first phase of the conflict ended in May 1879 with the Treaty of Gandamak, which permitted the Afghans to maintain internal sovereignty but forced them to cede control over their foreign policy to the British. Fighting resumed in Sept. 1879 after an anti-British uprising in Kabul that resulted in the death of Sir Louis Cavagnari, the British resident in Kabul and a negotiator of the Treaty of Gandamak, and of nearly all the British soldiers at the residency. The Kabul Field Force, commanded by General Sir Frederick Roberts and composed of British and Indian army regiments, was sent to Kabul to restore order and take revenge.This book offers a vivid eye-witness account of the main incidents of the war, including the bloody siege of the Sherpur Cantonment of Dec. 1879, in which Afghan forces mounted a nearly successful attack on the Anglo-Indian forces, the relief march from Kabul to Kandahar in Aug. 1880, and the climactic Battle of Kandahar in Sept. 1880 that ended the war.In addition to his account of the military operations, Duke provides insights from his perspective as a medical officer, for example, on the treatment of wounds by traditional methods by the Afghan forces.The book is illustrated with a frontispiece photograph of Roberts and maps and drawings of important battles and fortresses. The appendix contains a summary explanation of the causes of both Anglo-Afghan wars, the full text of the Treaty of Gandamak, and copies of correspondence between Russian and Afghan authorities that were found by the British when they occupied Kabul.
Recollections of the Peninsula
by Captain Joseph Moyle ShererThis ebook is purpose built and is proof-read and re-type set from the original to provide an outstanding experience of reflowing text for an ebook reader. Captain Sherer's record of service in the Peninsular War is second to none. A hard campaigner, he served with the 34th Foot at Busaco, Badajoz, Albuera, Arroyo Molinos, Vittoria and the Pyrenees, during which he was taken prisoner by the advancing French. In this, his service was no different to huge numbers of officers, a good number of whom left their memoirs to posterity. What marks out Sherer and his recollections is their quality. His descriptions of himself, his men and, above all, the actions that he took part in are of the first order, quoted with great frequency by historians - an example of which is below (from his description of the hard fighting at Albuera): 'The French grenadier caps, their arms, and the whole aspect of their frowning masses. It was a momentary, but grand sight: a heavy atmosphere of smoke again enveloped us, and few objects could be discerned at all, none distinctly... This murderous contest of musketry lasted long. We were the whole time progressively advancing and shaking the enemy. 'At a distance of about twenty yards from them we received orders to charge; we had ceased firing, cheered, and had our bayonets in the charging position, when a body of the enemy's horse was discovered under the rising ground, ready to take advantage of our impetuosity. Already, however, the French infantry, alarmed by our preparatory cheers, which always indicate the charge, had broke and fled.' A fantastic memoir that deserves reading and re-reading. Title - Recollections of the Peninsula Author -- Captain Joseph Moyle Sherer (1789-1869) Text taken, whole and complete, from the fifth edition published in 1827, London, by Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown and Green. Original - 358 pages.
Recon Scout
by Fred H. SalterHE LIVED ON THE ABYSS OF DEATH AS A RECON SCOUT IN WORLD WAR II. From Africa’s Sahara Desert, where he met Churchill, to the plains of Tunisia, where he served under Patton, Fred Salter executed daring nightly solo missions, risking his life to gather the vital intelligence the U. S. Army desperately needed. After the battlefields of Sicily came the long, grueling effort to wrench Italy from the grip of the Nazis, and the bloody nightmare of Monte Cassino, the longest battle Americans fought during the war. Salter spares no one, least of all himself, in this tough, clear-eyed account. Refusing to shy away from the horrors and fears of combat, he shares experiences–tragic and glorious–that will haunt him forever. From the Paperback edition.
Recon: A Red Ops Thriller (A Red Ops Thriller #3)
by David McCaleb"This fast-paced, high-stakes ride will take the reader into the world of covert operations. A must-read thriller."—Andrews & Wilson, authors of the bestselling TIER ONE series“David McCaleb has a real winner here. Red Harmon is a guy I’d want on my side.” —Marc Cameron, New York Times bestselling author of Dead Drop “David McCaleb delivers with Reload! Red Harmon is a gritty hero who comes through in the clutch and McCaleb’s gripping plot is the stuff of today's headlines. A must read for all fans of thriller fiction!”—A.J. Tata, National Bestselling Author of Three Minutes to Midnight “McCaleb delivers a decades-spanning tale brimming with excitement, intrigue, and deception. Red Harmon is a keeper!” —Alan Jacobson, USA Today Bestselling Author of The Darkness of Evil “If you’re looking for suspense, nonstop action, and a hero you can root for, The Red Ops series will clean your X ring.” —David Poyer, USA Today Bestselling Author of Hunter Killer The assault on America begins with an attack on Red Harmon’s family . . . Trained to endure extreme danger and survive impossible odds, elite military operator Red Harmon has battled our nation’s enemies for years. While in the Rocky Mountains for R&R, his family is violently attacked by an international squad of assassins. No ordinary wet-team, this group is only the vanguard of a power play threatening national security. Danger is everywhere . . . Red and his young daughter escape a brutal firefight, but are separated from his wife. Evading though the woodlands, stripped of his unit’s support, Red puts his survival skills to the test all the way from Pikes Peak National Forest to Israel’s West Bank. He must defend his country, protect his family, and identify the unthinkable forces that are willing to slaughter anyone in their path.
Reconceptualizing Deterrence: Nudging Toward Rationality in Middle Eastern Rivalries (Routledge Global Security Studies)
by Elli LiebermanThis book offers a reconceptualisation of conventional deterrence theory, and applies it to enduring rivalries in the Middle East. The work argues that many of the problems encountered in the development of deterrence theory lay in the fact that it was developed during the Cold War, when the immediate problem it had to address was how to prevent catastrophic nuclear wars. The logic of nuclear deterrence compelled a preoccupation with the problem of stability over credibility; however, because the logic of conventional deterrence is different, the solution of the tension between credibility and stability is achieved by deference to credibility, due to the requirements of reputation and costly signaling. This book aims to narrow the gap between theory and evidence. It explores how a reconceptualization of the theory as a process that culminates in the internalization of deterrence within enduring rivalries is better suited to account for its final success: a finding that has eluded deterrence theorists for long. This interdisciplinary book will be of much interest to students of deterrence theory, strategic studies, international security, Middle Eastern studies and IR in general.
Reconceptualizing Securitization in Afghanistan: Ethnicity, Social Identity, and Higher Education post-2001 (Routledge New Security Studies)
by Christian Kaunert Arif SaharThis book analyses the securitization of ethnic identities and social groups by the state in Afghanistan in the post-2001 context.Securitization is arguably the most successful theoretical framework to analyse security beyond the military confines. Yet, despite its broadening agenda, the securitization framework has been accused of a Western bias. This book analyses the extent and the modalities and practices of the securitization of ethnic identities and social groups (e.g. women) by the state in Afghanistan post-2001, which is especially relevant following the takeover by the Taliban in August 2021. It puts forward a more nuanced argument by analytically distinguishing and empirically testing state policies, practices, and perspectives on ethnic and social groups that are largely informed by the fear and legacies of civil war (1978–2001). The work argues that the traditional lack of a stable state identity that could function as a basis for ontological security in Afghanistan has resulted in a persistent state of fragility exacerbated by the legacies and fears of civil war that have had a direct impact on the development of the state’s perspectives on ethnic and social groups. Whilst the state does not necessarily indulge in explicit securitization practices and discourses, securitization often takes place through implicit activities to undermine ethnic and social groups’ ability to enter political, economic, and socio-cultural competitions fairly and equitably, which would, in turn, enable these groups to challenge the state. The securitization process, therefore, has had an impact on the ability of these groups to benefit from opportunities fairly and equitably.This book will be of much interest to students of critical security studies, statebuilding, Asian politics, and International Relations in general.