Partizan - Forlorn Hope

The battle of Ramillies and its aftermath has for the most part been strangely overlooked by historians. Despite it being the only time in his illustrious career that the Duke of Marlborough was in sole command during a major engagement, it has never before been the subject of any in-depth analysis. This stunning victory, secured against a worthy opponent of almost equal strength, was achieved within a few hours of combat and at remarkably small cost in terms of casualties. Such damage, both physically and psychologically, was inflicted on the French army that it ceased to carry any real threat for the remainder of the campaign.

To rectify this anomaly Neil Litten has produced an insightful account drawing heavily on foreign source material. Much of this appears in English for the first time, and dispels some long-held, erroneous assumptions. In addition to the year's military events, the complex, political intrigues, which were conducted within and between both sides, are also covered. They prove inseparable owing to the Duke's unique position as both commander-in-chief of the army and Queen Anne's own on-the-spot representative. In his authoritative study the author aims to explore the impact the victory at Ramillies had on the war as a whole, while examining the extraordinary events of 23rd May 1706 in detail.