This is a fascinating read that should be of interest to anyone interested in the Parliamentary forces of the British Civil Wars and their deployment on the international stage.
The first part deals with the diplomacy and foreign policy decisions that led to the largest force to date to leave the English shores. The next chapter deals with the various mostly infantry regiments in the army. Under Robert Venables and manned by Civil War veterans the first target was Hispaniola. Primary sources are used throughout to really explore the campaigns from all sides. The next chapter deals with the Navy. The rest of the book is taken up with the events as they unfolded with letters and testaments to add depth and colour. Barbados was the stepping stone for the attack on Spanish territories. The disasters that follow are explored in depth. Venables in his over-confidence botched the attack on Hispaniola which is examined from all aspects. The next stage was an attack on Jamaica which was seen as a softer target. Of course the army fell victim to the illness and attrition associated with the West Indies at this time. On Jamaica the attackers were duped by the Spaniards during the capitulation negotiations which left them vulnerable and starving 5,000 miles from home. Death and disease descended on the force. Venables abandoned the remnants of his army and returned to England to face the music. A really interesting read which will leave you looking forward to Volume 2.
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