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by Chris Chilcott (Author)
In the British army of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars soldiers of many ranks were hungry, dressed in tattered uniforms and slept in the open. This is a contrast with the image of the effective, victorious force that had driven the French from Spain and fought so hard at Waterloo. The army struggled to provide not only food and uniform but also chaplains, medical services and education. This was a failing not just for soldiers but also the wives and families who followed them. This had implications for strategy and heavily influenced planning to oppose a French invasion.
How to maintain the army was a vital question for early nineteenth century Britain. The answer was defined by events that occurred 200 years earlier and have continued into the present day. 'A Killing a Day' is the story of how Britain tried and failed to meet the needs of its soldiers. Chapters:A system created from fear events in the seventeenth century had a profound impact on the British state and also its relationship with the army. This would have significant consequences for the systems used to supply the force.
The Treasury goes to war the Commissariat was responsible for supplying the army but was a civilian organisation. The Commissariat had a massive task but would not prove able to meet the challenge.
Third in line The army found itself in direct competition with the Royal Navy and allied armies for many of its needs and the industrial and financial strength of Britain would be stretched to its limit.
From A to B: Transport the Royal Wagon Train did not even exist prior to the outbreak of the Revolutionary War. By 1815 it had grown considerably from humble origins but was not the sole organisation responsible for operating wagons, horses and mules in the army. There was to be a constant battle for resources and the support of Spanish and Portuguese personnel would prove vital to British logistics in Spain and Portugal.
A moral dimension Not everything required by the army could be put on a wagon. Medical, chaplain and education services would all be a vital part of life for soldiers. The necessity to meet the needs of the families of soldiers on campaign would prove to be a success for the system.
Counties versus Napoleon supply was at the heart of plans to resist a French invasion. Many freedoms and liberties were to be sacrificed, property requisitioned and whole communities evacuated to halt a French invasion.
Number of Pages: 170
Dimensions: 0.39 x 9.02 x 5.98 IN
Publication Date: August 23, 2020
