Britain

From February until December 1916, Verdun was the scene of the longest and heaviest series of battles.

L.W. Cowie describes how, early in 1805, a series of strong points were built along the British coast-line, to defend against Napoleon’s army, then arrayed across the Channel.

During the campaign of 1815, writes Michael Glover, Wellington was handicapped by a shortage of military maps.

In 1828, writes John Adair, the great patriot’s tomb was rudely disturbed by an enquiring Whig historian.

M. Foster Farley describes how a powerful attack on the State of South Carolina, by the British fleet and army was met and valiantly repulsed.

John Terraine describes how the Allied offensive of spring 1917 promised victory but ended in failure and mutiny.

The purchase system, writes Robert Woodall, was regarded by its opponents as the main obstacle to the creation of professional officer corps.

Once Rowland Hill had launched the Penny Post, many British citizens, it was said, first learned to read that they might enjoy a letter. By Dee Moss.

George Grey was governor in succession of South Australia, New Zealand, Cape Colony and New Zealand again. Cyril Hamshere charts a most remarkable career in the Victorian Colonial service.

Derek Severn describes how, after service at Trafalgar, Thomas Hardy spent many years with the Navy’s two American Stations and in 1830 was appointed First Sea Lord.