Raugh Jr., Harold E. The Crucible of Combat

Perspectives on British Military History and Leadership

Volume 1 of the Raugh Military History trilogy. This is a fascinating anthology of the author's previously acclaimed works on British military history, focusing on the period from the mid-19th century to the Second World War. These fourteen exciting essays are carefully researched and captivatingly written, shedding light on little-known battles and campaigns, bravery on the battlefield, deception, the development of weapons, tactics and leadership, and the indispensable and often neglected human dimension of soldiering. The incredible stories of miraculous escapes from besieged Delhi during the Indian Rebellion are recounted in detail through eyewitness accounts, and the differing perceptions of battles by participants of various ranks are examined. Naive examples of the deliberate use of war correspondents and the planting of false documents as a means of deception to mislead opponents and provide them with misinformation are analysed and evaluated. Often overlooked military operations such as the Perak War of 18751876 and the Fashoda Expedition of 1898 are described in detail. The tactical use of artillery in the Battle of Omdurman in 1898 in Sudan and the decisive role of advanced weapons, scattered tactics and the accuracy of rifles in Elandslaagte in 1899 during the South African War are insightfully evaluated. Case studies also showcase innovative training methods, detailed planning and dynamic leadership from both world wars. Crucible of Combat is a book that makes an important contribution to British military history.