Feeding Wellington's Army from Burgos to Waterloo

Brief Summary

"Feeding Wellington's Army from Burgos to Waterloo" by Gareth Glover presents a fascinating account of the logistical challenges faced by the Commissaries during the Peninsular War and the Waterloo campaign. This second volume, transcribed from the notebooks of Commissary General Tupper Carey, captures his firsthand experience and insights as he navigated the supply chains critical to the British Army's success. It covers a significant period from Wellington's advance into Spain in 1813 to the aftermath of Waterloo in 1815. Through Carey's journals, readers are offered a vivid depiction of the behind-the-scenes efforts required to maintain an army during times of war.

Main Themes and Topics

The book primarily tackles themes such as the logistical intricacies of war, the challenges of military supply chains, and the everyday life of a military commissary. One pivotal theme is the crucial role played by supply officers in ensuring the army's mobility and readiness. Through Carey's observations, the book also touches on military hierarchy and the informal nature of assessments made by an insider whose opinions were candid and unrestrained, given their original intent for his family's eyes only.

Writing Style and Tone

Gareth Glover provides a meticulous transcription of Carey's journals, preserving the authentic and personal tone of the original writings. The narrative is vivid and engaging, reflecting Carey's unique perspective as both an observer and an active participant in the logistical aspects of the war. The text flows easily, with a focus on detail that immerses readers in the historical context without sacrificing readability. This blend of detailed description and personal anecdote strikes a balance between scholarly meticulousness and intriguing storytelling.

Criticism

While the book is richly detailed, some readers may find the focus on logistics and supply aspects to be overly niche, potentially limiting its appeal to those with a keen interest in military history or logistics. The specificity of the subject matter might not engage readers seeking broader narratives of the Napoleonic Wars.