Featured battle : off Zeeland

Part of Anglo-Dutch War, Third

Date : 11 August 1673

The Combined fleet left England on the 17th July, with 4000 troops on board, intending to land on Zeeland. They did not do so but cruised along the Dutch coast. The Dutch fleet came out and manoeuvred so that on the morning of the 11th August it was both inshore and to windward of the Combined fleet. As the Dutch bore down to attack the French squadron sailed away and took no further part in the battle. The English were therefore left at a 60 against 100 disadvantage. The English made for their own shore but maintained good order and the battle became a running fight. Few ships were lost on either side but because of the large numbers of soldiers aboard the English ships the loss of life was great. The last sea battle between the English and the Dutch was a Dutch victory.

The Very Thing

Jonathan Crook
The title neatly sums up my opinion of this book it is the very thing for anyone with a keen interest in Napoleonic soldiering. Part of the long military history of the Royal Welch Fusiliers is told through the memoirs of Drummer Richard Bentinck from 1807 to 1823. The story travels from Copenhagen to North America to the Peninsular and finally to Waterloo and the occupation of France. We get a fascinating insight into the life of the ordinary British soldier not all saint and not all sinner
A thoroughly good read which I cannot recommend too highly.
Frontline Books, Pen & Sword Ltd., 2011