British Empire Medals - A Military History

The Battles of the Napoleonic, Boer, Chinese, Crimean and Other Wars Told Through Their Medals

This military history of the British Empire successfully chronicles significant battles and campaigns on land and sea through a single, common thread: their medals.

Compiled and adapted from the researches of noted scholar W. Augustus Steward, this book equips us for a comprehensive journey through the principle of the military decoration as it continually grew in significance. At first bearing only the face of the reigning monarch in the manner of a coin, we witness the increasing sophistication and reverence lavished upon medals as military accolades ascended to significance within the military classes and wider citizenry of the British Isles. Through their ubiquity, every major and many minor skirmishes through the British Empire's ascendency and peak years are thus covered, through to the beginning of World War I. 

Beginning with the traditions established during Elizabeth I's reign, we are provided a detailed account of the evolution and proliferation of medals. With every major and minor battle, we witness Britain's expansion of influence through the use of gifted commanders such as Arthur Wellesley - more famously known as The Duke of Wellington - and the legendary naval commander Admiral Nelson. Less distinguished names also receive their due, rendering this book a fine reference guide and research source for readers and students; whether their interest be in the African, Crimean, Boer or Opium wars, naval skirmishes, or in the rebellions on the Indian subcontinent. Medal collectors and enthusiasts will find deep insight in the rarities pictured and described. 

Each battle's account is accompanied by a complete list of regiments serving, while casualties sustained and inflicted by the British side are likewise detailed. Combative manoeuvres, advances, retreats, setbacks and routs are all mentioned in a lively but factual style, followed up by the mentions of the accolades and behaviours of the major commanders. Especially significant battles, such as Waterloo, The Charge of the Light Brigade, and Rorke's Drift, receive good examination and account, with all corresponding medals likewise described. 

Throughout the text more than 250 pictorial representations of medals are present. Every description reveals details and qualities such as abbreviations and insignia which can easily escape the untrained eye. A guide upon how medals are named offers further illumination and insight as to how sophisticated traditions were becoming. Through merely this part, we gain an informed impression of the Imperial traditions which held strong sway upon British society in excess of three centuries. 

Later in the book we examine significant naval battles ranging across the British Empire's history. We also receive generous and meaningful coverage of medal adaptations within rival powers on the European continent. With these as concluding parts, we may call this book a comprehensive military history approached in a stimulating and novel fashion: simply put, British Empire Medals - A Military History is a more than worthwhile purchase.