British victory in Egypt, 1801

In 1800 the British army was the laughing-stock of Europe. A year later, after forty years of failure, its honour and reputation had been redeemed. Trained and led by Sir Ralph Abercromby, an expeditionary force ejected Bonaparte's crack troops from Egypt. An assault landing of unparalleled daring was followed by two pitch battles which broke the enemy's morale. Abercromby died of wounds after his decisive victory outside Alexandria. His eccentric successor Hutchinson completed the task and barred the route to the east against Bonaparte. After the dawn battle of Alexandria, the officers and men of the Black Watch were seen crying like children at their deadful losses. They had yet to realise that the morning's fighting had been a turning point for the British army and the end of its career of failure. This book restores the memory of a great soldier, once regarded as the peer of Nelson and Sir John Moore. It is also the life-story of his army, from its chaotic birth its victorious dispersal a year later.