King George's Army. British Regiments and the Men Who Led Them 1793-1815 Volume 4

Brief Summary

"King George's Army. British Regiments and the Men Who Led Them 1793-1815 Volume 4" by Steve Brown is the fourth installment in an ambitious series that explores the intricacies of the British Army during the tumultuous years of the Great War with France. This voluminous work focuses on the 61st to 104th Regiments of Foot and the field officers who commanded them, providing an in-depth look into their lives, careers, and the regiments they led. With approximately 1,000 mini-biographies, this book serves as an encyclopedic resource catering to both military historians and genealogists interested in this crucial period.

Main Themes and Topics

A central theme of this book is the exploration of the regimental system within the British Army, particularly how officers were promoted, transferred, and the complex network of their service. The book delves deeply into the biographies of lieutenant colonels and majors, emphasizing their careers, education, and the socio-political structures that influenced their roles. The emphasis on biographical detail provides insight into the individual lives that contributed to the broader historical tapestry of Britain's military efforts against France.

Additionally, the book covers regimental data such as lineages, service locations, battle honors, and demographic details of the men, which together paint a comprehensive picture of military organization and operations during this historical period. The meticulous accounting of advancement methods, including purchase, exchange, or promotion, provides a nuanced understanding of military hierarchy and career progression at the time.

Writing Style and Tone

Steve Brown's writing style in "King George's Army" is informative and authoritative, befitting the scholarly nature of the work. The tone is detailed and factual, aimed at providing a rich source of reference material for serious students of military history. Despite its academic rigor, Brown's dedication to biographical storytelling ensures that the narratives of the individuals involved bring a human element to the military data.

Criticism

While the book provides an enormous amount of information for military historians and genealogists, its dense and detailed nature may be overwhelming for casual readers. The sheer volume of data, particularly the exhaustive lists of mini-biographies, can at times be difficult to navigate for those not specifically looking for particular individuals or regiments. Furthermore, the focus on a specific segment of military history might not appeal to a general audience; however, those with a focused interest in the period will find it invaluable.