Overview

John Gaspard Le Marchant (1766–1812) was no ordinary soldier. Born to a Guernsey father and a French mother, he rose from modest beginnings to become one of Britain’s most brilliant cavalry officers and a visionary reformer. Yet today, his name is all but forgotten. A gifted swordsman, Le Marchant revolutionised cavalry training. Appalled by the poor standard of swordsmanship in the British Army, he designed a new cavalry sabre, wrote the definitive manual on sword fighting, and personally trained regiments across the country. But his most enduring legacy came in 1801, when his audacious plan for a professional officer training academy won royal approval. From that vision was born the Royal Military College – the foundation of what is now the world-renowned Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. On the battlefield, his courage was unmatched. Fighting alongside Wellington in the Peninsular War, Le Marchant led one of the most devastating cavalry charges of the Napoleonic era at Salamanca. Victory came at the ultimate cost: his life, cut short at just forty-six. This book tells the remarkable story of a man whose innovations reshaped the British Army and whose legacy still endures. It is a long-overdue recognition of a forgotten hero of military history.

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9781398133464

Table of Contents

Reviews

'Le Messurier's book is well researched and is easy to follow, with helpful military campaign maps.' * The Guernsey Society Review, Summer 2024 * 'Le Marchant's 'outline' would eventually become Sandhurst, and here Paul Le Messurier has produced an impeccably researched and entertaining written account of its foundation.' * History at War Magazine, October 2024 * 'The author, a fellow Guernsey man, tells the story faithfully and well.' * Country Life Magazine, September 2024 * 'Le Marchant, while an influential figure, is not well-known today. This book goes some way in bringing recognition to his lasting achievements.' * Britain at War Magazine, December 2024 * 'Paul Le Messurier’s engaging book seeks to change that, shedding light on the powerful and lasting impact Le Marchant had on the British Army.' * Epsom and Ewell Times, December 2024 *

'Le Messurier's book is well researched and is easy to follow, with helpful military campaign maps.' -- The Guernsey Society Review, Summer 2024 'Le Marchant's 'outline' would eventually become Sandhurst, and here Paul Le Messurier has produced an impeccably researched and entertaining written account of its foundation.' -- History at War Magazine, October 2024 'The author, a fellow Guernsey man, tells the story faithfully and well.' -- Country Life Magazine, September 2024 'Le Marchant, while an influential figure, is not well-known today. This book goes some way in bringing recognition to his lasting achievements.' -- Britain at War Magazine, December 2024 'Paul Le Messurier’s engaging book seeks to change that, shedding light on the powerful and lasting impact Le Marchant had on the British Army.' -- Epsom and Ewell Times, December 2024

Author Information

Paul Le Messurier is a historian and author who focuses on local and military history. His books include Surrey’s Military Heritage and Founder of Sandhurst, Maj-Gen John Le Marchant. Paul is an Associate Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and a member of the Society of Authors.

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