Featured battle : Nile [Aboukir Bay]

Part of The French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars

Date : 01 August 1798 - 02 August 1798

Having escorted Napoleon's transports for the invasion of Egypt De Bruey's anchored his fleet of 13 line of battle ships and four frigates close to the shore of Aboukir Bay. Nelson had been desperately seeking the French all over the Mediterranean and was greatly relieved to find them. Although it was nearly the end of the day Nelson decided to attack immediately and issued orders to that effect. His fleet of 12 line of battle ships approached the French line from windward. The first ship of his line was the Goliath which was steered to pass between the French and the shore. Four other ships of the line followed his course and the remainder sailed to the seaward side of the French. Although the French fought with exceptional bravery Nelson's victory was decisive, all but two of the French being sunk, burnt or captured.

Culloden 1746

Stuart Reid
This book is not simply a guide to the battlefield it does much more. The first six chapters are an excellent account of the development of the battle, chapter seven compares the two armies, their similarities and differences, while the final chapter gives advice and guidance on visiting the battle field today. There is an abundance of photographs and drawings, I particularly like the contemporary sketches of individuals engaged in the battle. The twelve maps of the battlefield, each a double page spread and all on the same template, show the movement of the forces. The map of the battlefield today is also on that template. This is a super idea allowing the reader to make immediate comparisons without having to adjust for scale or displacement.
This, the third edition of this book, has been updated to take in the latest archaeological and documentary discoveries. It remains a slim volume of 156 pages and therefore is of ideal size to slip into a rucksack for a visit to the battlefield.
Whether visiting the battlefield or just wanting to read a straightforward introduction to the battle this book is highly recommended.

Pen & Sword Military. Pen & Sword \Books \Ltd., 2018