Galloping at Everything: The British Cavalry in the Peninsular War and at Waterloo, 1808-15

by Ian Fletcher

Book by Fletcher, Ian.

301 pages, Hardcover

First published September 28, 1999

Reviews

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. If you are aware of the the fighting in the Peninsula, then you probably understand that many historians are disparaging of the British cavalry in the 1808-14 period. While it is true that the cavalry had difficulties, it was not all their fault. In Ian Fletcher's book, he makes it clear that topography played a major reason that thay were not able to be used in battle, but did a more-than-adequate job in reconnaisance and picket duty. However, most of the book deals with the major battles such as Salamanca and Vitoria which are fairly well-known for their cavalry actions, and some of the lesser known actions such as Camp Mayor and Maguilla. It finishes up with the great battle of Waterloo which had some spectacular cavalry encounters in the 3-day period.

It's an interesting book, but could have used maps, especially for the lesser known battles.

[Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great work that finally manages to restore some of the cavalry's reputation during the Peninsular war and the Waterloo campaign. I would highly recommend it.

[Tim Mcphillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining account of the British Cavalry during the Napoleonic wars.