BATTLE OF SPICHERENA Study in Practical Tactics and War Training

This account penned by a noted British military historian of the late 19th century remains one of the best narratives of a 19th-century battle yet published. The Battle of Spicheren was fought in early August 1870 and like many of the battles in the opening phase of the Franco-Prussian war could be termed an encounter battle. Fighting over very difficult terrain German forces dislodged the French II Corps after a heroic defence. Henderson not only drew on the General Staff works and other official sources available to military historians of the late 19th century - the value of his work is that he also utilised many other accounts including regimental histories. He presents an extremely detailed narrative of the battle. Following a full discussion of the events of 6 August 1870 he also discusses the tactics of the battle and training and other characteristics of the troops involved. A detailed text is accompanied by comprehensive maps showing the various stages of the battle.