The Crimean War: A Reappraisal (Wordsworth Military Library)

The result is a book that is refreshing, factual, and balanced. Where mistakes were made, they were examined, and alternatives provided. Of course many of the mistakes can be traced back to previous ones, and these (such as the problems with cholera) were not that unusual at the time. It is interesting to see the difference between the French and British troops for example in terms of the fixing these problems. While the number of British troops lost to disease fell substancially during the second winter of the campaign, it grew significantly for the French troops.

The book for me dispelled the myth that the war was a failure, and showed the incredible resilience and courage of the troops on both sides. Perhaps more people in this country should stop being so critical of our history and celebrate the unbelievable fortitude and skill that our troops have shown in the past. Our armed forces in the Crimea and at many other wars before and after are something to be immensely proud of.