The British Field Marshals

1736-1997: A Biographical Dictionary

Nonfiction, History, Reference, Biography & Memoir
Cover of the book The British Field Marshals by T A   Heathcote, Pen and Sword
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: T A Heathcote ISBN: 9781783461417
Publisher: Pen and Sword Publication: October 24, 2012
Imprint: Pen and Sword Military Language: English
Author: T A Heathcote
ISBN: 9781783461417
Publisher: Pen and Sword
Publication: October 24, 2012
Imprint: Pen and Sword Military
Language: English

Whether 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 Heathcote’s 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.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Whether 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 Heathcote’s 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.

More books from Pen and Sword

Cover of the book Dawns Like Thunder by T A   Heathcote
Cover of the book Sharing the Secret by T A   Heathcote
Cover of the book Tynedale at War 1939–1945 by T A   Heathcote
Cover of the book Irish Railways in the 1950s and 1960s by T A   Heathcote
Cover of the book The 1916 Battle of the Somme Reconsidered  by T A   Heathcote
Cover of the book The Handley Page Victor by T A   Heathcote
Cover of the book An Indian Summer of Steam by T A   Heathcote
Cover of the book Tracing Your House History by T A   Heathcote
Cover of the book Missing But Not Forgotten by T A   Heathcote
Cover of the book Kenneth ‘Hawkeye’ Lee DFC by T A   Heathcote
Cover of the book When the Moon Rises by T A   Heathcote
Cover of the book Culloden by T A   Heathcote
Cover of the book Lady Lucy Houston DBE by T A   Heathcote
Cover of the book Operations in North Africa and the Middle East 1942-1944 by T A   Heathcote
Cover of the book Villers Bretonneux by T A   Heathcote
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy