Featured battle : Coruña [La]

Part of The French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars

Date : 16 January 1809

The retreat of the British forces under Sir John Moore began at Sahagun on the 23 December 1808. Once Napoleon realised that he could not surround the British he left the chase to Soult expanding his corps to 36,000 men. The British offered battle at Lugo but this was declined. Although Soult attacked in strength dogged British defence held them off until all stores were destroyed and all troops were safely embarked. Although the British were driven out the bulk of their army was intact and valuable battle experience had been gained.

British Cruisers. Two World Wars and After

Norman Friedman
Wow! Another book from this author and publisher with the 'wow' factor. Lavishly illustrated with a photograph or line plan on almost every page. The text is packed with technical information, detail, and description of design, construction and application of these important ships. I read it cover to cover finding many nuggets of information on the way. e.g. One particular cruiser fresh out of dock had a range of 12,000nm; the same ship after eight months cruising was 'deep and dirty' had a range of only 8,000nm.
This book is a must for every Royal Navy enthusiast and would be of interest to the general reader. This is the kind of reference book where you find what you are looking for and are then temped to go on reading.
Highly recommended.
Seaforth publishing. Pen & Sword Books Ltd., 2010