The British Victory in Egypt, 1801: The End of Napoleon's Conquest

In 1800 the British Army was the laughing-stock of Europe. A year later, after forty years of failure, its honour and reputation had been redeemed. British Victory in Egypt, 1801 recounts and analyses the story of the expeditionary force that ejected Bonaparte's crack troops from Egypt. Piers Mackesy shows how the future of the British Empire depended on the dislodging of the Napoleonic force in the Middle East. Outlining the daring assault and the masterly planning and discipline that brought victory against the odds, this book also reveals how vital Sir Ralph Abercromby, an elderly Scot and leader of the army, was to the final success of the venture. The part played in the victory by the Highland regiments is still celebrated in Scotland. British Victory In Egypt, 1801 charts a critical episode in European and military history. It also reveals the training, tactics and strategy of a unique campaign and its executors. "The remarkable success of Sir Ralph Abercromby's expeditionary force to Egypt in 1801 was a decisive moment in European history. Dislodging Napoleon's forces in Egypt at a stroke protected Britain's Indian empire and her trade with the Far East, as well as restoring the reputation and flagging morale of the British Army."--BOOK JACKET. "An assault landing of unparalleled daring and bravery was followed by two pitched battles which broke the enemy's morale. Abercromby died of wounds after his decisive victory outside Alexandria. He was not alone. It was a day when the officers and men of the Black Watch were seen crying like children at their dreadful losses. It was left to Abercromby's eccentric successor, Hutchinson, to complete the task, barring the route to the east against Bonaparte."--BOOK JACKET. "The success of the high risk strategy pursued by the British government was in large part due to Abercromby. It was he who trained and led the force with courage and audacity. This book restores the memory of a great soldier, once regarded as the peer of Nelson and Sir John Moore. It is also the life-story of his army, from its chaotic birth to its victorious dispersal a year later."--BOOK JACKET In 1800 the British army was the laughing-stock of Europe. A year later, after forty years of failure, its honour and reputation had been redeemed. Trained and led by Sir Ralph Abercromby, an expeditionary force ejected Bonaparte's crack troops from Egypt. An assault landing of unparalleled daring was followed by two pitch battles which broke the enemy's morale. Abercromby died of wounds after his decisive victory outside Alexandria. His eccentric successor Hutchinson completed the task and barred the route to the east against Bonaparte. After the dawn battle of Alexandria, the officers and men of the Black Watch were seen crying like children at their deadful losses. They had yet to realise that the morning's fighting had been a turning point for the British army and the end of its career of failure. This book restores the memory of a great soldier, once regarded as the peer of Nelson and Sir John Moore. It is also the life-story of his army, from its chaotic birth its victorious dispersal a year later. Mackesy charts a critical episode in European and military history: the British campaigns in Egypt. He details how Britain regained its honour and reputation in battle, ejecting Bonaparte's troops from Egypt. C̀lassic military history' John Keegan This book restores the memory of a great soldier, Sir Ralph Abercromby, once regarded as the peer of Nelson and Sir John Moore. It is also the life-story of his army, from its chaotic birth to its victorious dispersal a year later.