The British Field Marshals, 1736-1997: A Biographical DictionaryWhether any advantage or benefit will be drawn from the suspension or effective abolition of the rank of Field Marshal is debatable. What is certain, however, is that Dr. Tony Heathcotes idea of compiling a definitive biographical dictionary of holders of this illustrious rank since its introduction by George II in 1736, is opportune and inspired.Those readers who anticipate a dry recitation of bare facts and statistics are in for a disappointment. A reference work this may be but the author, by dint of his depth of knowledge, has created a shrewd and highly readable commentary as well.As General Sir Charles Guthrie (the first soldier to be denied promotion to Field Marshal on appointment to Chief of Defense Staff) observes in his Foreword, this book embraces the history of the British Army over the last 250-300 years. It covers not only the careers of key individuals but provides an understanding of their contribution to the successes and failures of our military past. The diversity of personalities, who have only the honor of wearing the coveted crossed batons in common, is fascinating. Alongside the household names of the great strategists and distinguished leaders lie little known and forgotten figures, who gained their exalted rank by either luck, accident of birth or diplomatic gesture.The British Field Marshals merits a place on the bookshelf of any military historian but is likely to be found on his or her bedside table. Whether or not the rank is ever resurrected, as it has been in the past and as many will hope it will be again, this delightful and useful book will remain the authoritative guide to all those who have held the highest military rank in the British Army. |
Contents
Birdwood Sir William Lord Birdwood 18651951 | |
Paget Lord Henry Marquess of Anglesey 17681854 | |
Plumer Sir Herbert Viscount Plumer 18571932 | |
Roberts Sir Frederick Earl Roberts 18321914 | |
Rowan Sir William 17891879 | |
Simmons Sir Lintorn 18211903 | |
Somerset Lord Fitzroy Lord Raglan 17881855 | |
Townshend George Marquess Townshend | |
Vereker John Viscount Gort 18861946 | |
William II HM King of the Netherlands 17921849 | |
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The British Field Marshals, 1736-1997: A Biographical Dictionary T. A. Heathcote No preview available - 2012 |
Common terms and phrases
2nd Battalion adjutant Allenby Allied April Auchinleck August awarded the KCB battle became colonel Blamey born brevet Brigade British Army British Expeditionary Force Byng Camberley campaign Cavalry Chief colonel-in-chief commissioned Corps daughter December Defence died Division Duke of Cambridge Earl Edward VII Emperor February field marshal Foot Force French Fusiliers GCMG GCSI GCVO German given command Gort Haig Hussars India Indian Army Ireland Irish Ironside January joined July June King King’s later lieutenant colonel London Lord March Marquess married mentioned in despatches Minister Montgomery November October peerage Princess promoted to brevet promoted to captain promoted to field promoted to lieutenant promoted to major promotion to substantive promotion to temporary Queen’s rank returned Rifles Roberts Royal Artillery senior September served Sir John South Africa Staff College staff officer substantive major succeeded Templer Territorial Army took troops Viscount Wavell Wilson Wolseley wounded