Battle of Salamanca: Wellington’s Finest Hour?

Join Zack White and Marcus Cribb as they discuss the popular myths and ideas that have grown up around the Battle of Salamanca.

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Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington, is often praised as one of the greatest ever defensive generals. But he was also capable of taking the initiative and attacking the enemy, exploiting opportunities and turning the situation to his advantage.

His victory at Salamanca was a pivotal moment in the Peninsular War, and the wider Napoleonic Wars. Described by some as the destruction of 40,000 men in 40 minutes, and lauded by one French general as ‘a battle in the style of Frederick the Great’, it cemented Wellington’s reputation as a master of both offensive and defensive operations.

Join Napoleonic historians Marcus Cribb and Zack White for a dynamic discussion on one of Wellington’s greatest victories. Drawing on cutting-edge research, including first-hand testimony, they will explore popular myths about the battle and its participants, while also setting the engagement within the wider context of the period.

Their retelling will offer an ‘all-angles’ perspective, from those making command decisions to those fighting on the front line, in the process highlighting the toil, triumph and tragedy that unfolded on that fateful afternoon.

Zack White (@ZwhiteHistory) is a PhD researcher at the University of Southampton, and the presenter of the podcast ‘The Napoleonicist’. He also co-presents History Hack’s ‘SharpeShooters’ series alongside Marcus Cribb. White has recently published 'The Sword and the Spirit' (an edited collection of articles on the Napoleonic Wars). He runs the online hub and forum thenapoleonicwars.net and is a Committee Member for the Waterloo Association.

Marcus Cribb (@mcribbHistory) is the House and Operations Manager for the West Horsley Place Trust. He has spent his life working in the heritage sector including roles at the Tank Museum, National Museum of the Royal Navy and Apsley House, the home of the Duke of Wellington. As well as his work in heritage, Marcus is an Army Reservist, having served for 12 years. He is currently writing his first book, on the Second Battle of Porto.

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