Wellington’s Command: A Reappraisal of His Generalship in the Peninsula and at Waterloo

The Duke of Wellington’s victory at the Battle of Waterloo cemented his reputation as a great general and much subsequent writing on his career has taken an uncritical, sometime chauvinistic view of his talents. Little has been published that fully pins down the reality of Wellington’s leadership, clearly identifying his weaknesses as well as his strengths.

George E. Jaycock, in this perceptive and thought-provoking reassessment, does not aim to undermine Wellington’s achievements, but to provide a more nuanced perspective. He clarifies some simple but fundamental truths regarding his leadership and his performance as a commander.

Through an in-depth study of his actions over the war years of 1808 to 1815 the author reassesses Wellington’s effectiveness as a commander, the competence of his subordinates and the qualities of the troops he led. His study gives a fascinating insight into Wellington’s career and abilities. It will be absorbing reading for military historians and for readers with a special interest in the Napoleonic period.

George E. Jaycock has had a lifetime of interest in military history and has made a particular study of the wars of the nineteenth century. After retiring as an architect he undertook an MA degree in military history at Buckingham University, completing a thesis on the Duke of Wellington upon which this book is based.