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

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

Betsy wrote: "My book is part of a series called 'Enthralling Guides'. Definitely a misnomer since it is hardly 'enthralling'. I suppose if you were looking for a basic guide to the era, it might suffice, but th..."

How could you leave out Davout! I'm shocked at the author's laxity!

"The Secret Expedition: The Anglo-Russian Invasion of Holland 1799" - The author has been providing some details on the Batavian Army for this campaign. He had this to say about the field artillery:

"The train serving the field artillery was also formed in wartime only and consisted of civilian drivers and requisitioned horses. In the Batavian army the train was not a proper part of the field army. If a train was necessary, each departement had to provide a contingent of 800 civilian drivers. Understandably, these were the worst elements the departement could find. As a result, most of them had to be sent back on their arrival. Of the remainder, many deserted, taking with them the horses or selling them. Instead of feeding the horses, the hay and wheat was sold also. As a result, during this campaign, lasting only two months, over a thousand horses were lost! In many cases the gunners had to serve as a driver. Even officers appear to have acted in this way."

Dutch Troops of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars
1793 to 1810:
https://www.napoleon-series.org/milit...

Betsy wrote: "Sharpe's Storm--decided not to wait to order. ☺"

Good to hear :)

Betsy wrote: "I am hoping to have two books this month. The first is short--The Napoleonic Wars: An Enthralling Guide to Global Conflict, Revolutionary Tactics, and the Expansion of Empire by Billy Wellman.

The..."

Sounds good Betsy. What's the book you have on order?

My selection for December's theme read is this book; "The Secret Expedition: The Anglo-Russian Invasion of Holland 1799" by Geert van Uythoven.

The Secret Expedition: The Anglo-Russian Invasion of Holland 1799 by Geert van Uythoven

Hi folks, the final theme read for 2024 - members choice - is up and ready to go:

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

The final theme read for 2024 is any book or books of your choice that covers the Napoleonic Wars.

Sounds like it will be an excellent novel. I hope you enjoy the account Komet!

Some excellent books there Scott, nice additions to your library! I hope you enjoy "The March of The Twenty-Six" and "The Man who Broke Napoleon's Codes" as much as I did.

I have read "Master and Commander" by Patrick O'Brian and really enjoyed it. I had to read it after watching Russell Crowe in the movie.

KOMET wrote: "Sean Bean will always be Sharpe to me."

Same!

A bit of good news Betsy, I hope it's a cracker of a story!

Or gut exploding! :)

Betsy wrote: "Just thought I'd mention a program I saw last night. Andrew Zimmern is a chef who goes around the world seeking different cuisines (would I love to have his job). The one last night was about Napol..."

Not sure I'd be keen on gunpowder seasoned steak!

Indeed, a brave man who could stand by his gun while that sort of devastation and destruction took place all around him!

Scott wrote: "The Challenge: Britain Against America in the Naval War of 1812

Deadly fire from the Shannon, po..."

Sounds like some excellent and deadly gun drill by the British crew!

Scott wrote: "The Challenge: Britain Against America in the Naval War of 1812

Broke’s speech to his men prior ..."

“Don’t try to dismast her. Fire into her quarters: main deck to main deck; quarter deck into quarter deck. Kill the men and the ship is yours. Don’t hit them about the head, for they have steel caps on, but give it them through the body. Don’t cheer. Go quietly to your quarters. I feel sure you will all do your duty; and remember you have the blood of hundreds of your countrymen to avenge.”

Surely a pretty inspiring speech!

Scott wrote: "The Challenge: Britain Against America in the Naval War of 1812

H.B.M ship Shannon prepares for ..."

As much as the pageantry of war back in that period is a marvel to look at and admire, the health care available for the wounded and ill was a horror show.

Sounds like a great project for retirement Scott!

Excellent post Scott!

I totally agree with you about the War being more of a draw than a decisive victory for either side and also your point about the sailors being pawns in a ships captain's point of honour!