'Aussie Rick'’s Comments (group member since Jun 13, 2009)

'Aussie Rick'’s comments from the THE NAPOLEONIC WARS group.

Manray9 wrote: "Tonight I've started --

The Wooden World: An Anatomy of the Georgian Navy by N. A. M Rodger."

I hope you find it an interesting account, MR9!

All good suggestions Betsy!

OK, it's that time of year again were group members can suggest some themes for group reads in 2025.

We will be conducted theme reads every second month starting in February.

So hit me up with some suggestions covering Napoleonic topics we can conduct a theme read on.

Scott wrote: "The Man Who Broke Napoleon's Codes: The Story of George Scovell

Excuse the last-minute feed, but..."

Really glad to hear you enjoyed the book on George Scovell, he was an amazing man. It is sad to read how Wellington depreciated Scovell's efforts in later years. I suppose Wellington was just an earlier version of Bernard Montgomery, talented but egotistical.

Hopefully one day soon I can spend some time there wandering the battlefield and taking in the sights!

I still haven't managed to visit Waterloo. I will have to try and plan a trip there on my next visit to Europe.

If I recall it offered some good information on the places to see on the battlefield if you visit

Seems we all struck out this year! :)

Betsy, the author also published a book on Waterloo which I found quite good at that time (I read it in the late 1990's); "On the Fields of Glory: The Battlefields of the 1815 Campaign".

On the Fields of Glory: The Battlefields of the 1815 Campaign by Andrew Uffindell

Two great posts Scott and Betsy!

I'm just finished unwrapping some Christmas presents - nothing Napoleonic this year.

Merry Christmas to you all!

Scott, remind me to never ask you for any holiday recommendations!😂😂😂

Betsy wrote: "Both armies, Wellington's and Blucher's, intended to fight in the best way they knew how. Blucher favored the offense. His cry of 'Forwards' was well-known for a good reason. As Muffling (the Pruss..."

Very interesting post Betsy. The Prussians did put up a good show for a while and the fighting was pretty hard, back-and-forth for some time.

Betsy wrote: "Since my Sharpe book is not available, I've chosen The Eagle's Last Triumph by Andrew Uffindell as a replacement."

Good choice Betsy! I read that book back in the mid 1990's and from what I recall it wasn't too bad an account, so I hope you enjoy it.

The Eagle's Last Triumph: Napoleon's Victory at Ligny, June 1815 by Andrew Uffindell

Betsy wrote: "Whoa! Now that is some wait time! Wonder what the holdup is? Well, at least it's not like you have NO books to read! ☺"

You comment about my book supply made me laugh Betsy!

That's a bummer about your pre-order Betsy! I have a book that I ordered in 2022 for release in 2023, its now due out in 2027!!!!!

I think Napoleon was acutely aware of the importance of fast and accurate information during his campaigns - the problem was how to obtain secure and fast messages in Spain considering the issues of terrain, distance and security. The problem with Napoleon I think, was once he issued an order, he expected it would happen regardless of these issues.

Great post Scott, I enjoyed it and had a good laugh at this bit:

“… At last I was obliged to say that if he did not at once confess his error and promise to obey my orders frankly and cordially I would dismiss him instanter and send him to England in arrest. After a great deal of persuasion he burst out crying and begged my pardon.”

I reckon Wellington's cold stare and silence would have been terrifying!

"The Secret Expedition: The Anglo-Russian Invasion of Holland 1799" - The final battle covered in my book was the Battle of Castricum (or 2nd Battle of Egmond op Zee) on 6th October.

The Battle of Castricum:
https://stefanov.no-ip.org/MagWeb/1st...

The Mystery of Lord Chatham’s Brigade at the Battle of Castricum:
https://adventuresinhistoryland.com/2...

The coast was a nice but short break. I enjoyed the drive in my car and the weather wasn't too bad, almost cool in fact when compared to Canberra's weather. Monday will be 39 degrees Celsius :(

I will be out of communications for the rest of today and half of tomorrow. I am heading down the coast with Jayne to have a Christmas lunch with my father, brother and sister.

Glad to hear it was a decent read Betsy, superficial but of some interest at least!