ABSTRACT

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.

part |2 pages

Part I FORGING AN ARMY

chapter 1|10 pages

'SIR RALPH IS NOT A COURTIER'

chapter 2|14 pages

A LOOK AT JOHN TURK

chapter 3|11 pages

THE FORGING OF THE BLADE

chapter 4|12 pages

REHEARSING INVASION

chapter 5|15 pages

THE EVE OF BATTLE

part |2 pages

Part II BEACH-HEAD

chapter 6|11 pages

ASSAULT LANDING

chapter 7|8 pages

'WE SHALL ALL FARE ALIKE'

chapter 8|12 pages

'A COOL INTREPIDITY': THE MANDARA BATTLE

chapter 9|10 pages

'WE MUST MAKE THE ATTEMPT'

chapter 10|11 pages

SURPRISED IN DARKNESS

chapter 11|12 pages

THE BATTLE IN THE DAWN

chapter 12|12 pages

THE PRICE OF VICTORY

part |2 pages

Part III BREAKOUT

chapter 13|6 pages

'UNGRACIOUS MANNERS AND A VIOLENT TEMPER'

chapter 14|11 pages

'MUCH MORE AT EASE IN HIS COMMAND'

chapter 15|10 pages

THE THRUST ON THE NILE

chapter 16|11 pages

THE VERGE OF MUTINY

chapter 17|10 pages

ONWARD TO CAIRO

part |2 pages

Part IV HONOUR REDEEMED

chapter 18|10 pages

FORTY CENTURIES LOOK DOWN

chapter 19|11 pages

THE FINAL MANOEUVRE

chapter 20|9 pages

THE FALL OF ALEXANDRIA

chapter 21|9 pages

THE ACHIEVEMENT

chapter 22|8 pages

'ABERCROMBY'S SOLDIERS'