I cannot say, before reading the book, that I had much knowledge of this campaign so I was keen to add to my knowledge. Waging a naval war many thousands of miles away from home was a major achievement for both the British and the French commanders. This aside they faced different problems in their attempts to achieve the elusive decisive blow but were still able to maintain an effective presence in the waters of Indian Ocean, to the frustration of their opponents.
The author examines the background and characters of Suffren and Hughes, and offers a description of India in 1780, in particular the role of the Honourable East India Company in extending its sphere of influence over the Indian subcontinent. He also examines the far from perfect relationship between the French and Hyder Ali of Mysore and the latter’s campaign against the British. The strategic importance of the HEICs operations in India are always to the forefront, and the shadow of their influence over Hughes is never far away.
The naval actions involving these fleets are described in detail, and I was able to obtain a good understanding of how each battle developed and how final victory remained so elusive for either side. Orders of battle and some useful tactical maps, together with an abundance of contemporary references and quotations help with understanding the issues facing both commanders at each encounter. For me the most remarkable thing is that they were able sustain and maintain their respective fleets over the course of the campaign.
I really enjoyed this book, and learnt from it considerably. It is like all of Mr Barry’s books, well written, meticulously researched and I can wholeheartedly recommend it.
From Reason to Revolution 1721-1815 No.125
ISBN 978-1-804513-39-2 soft back 221 pages
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