ARTHUR WELLESLEY

DUKE of WELLINGTON, GENERAL and BRITISH PRIME MINISTER,1769 -1852

Perhaps the most famous soldier, other than Napoleon, to come out of the era was Arthur Wellesley.

Wellesley learnt his military trade in India applying his study of the art of war, brought on by the ineptitude of his fellow officers, to practical matters in India.
A careful leader, he tried to limit casualties and became a master of the reverse - slope tactic keeping his forces screened from artillery fire behind the brow of a hill. By October 1807 the Peninsular Campaign was under way after the French declared war on Portugal. The French occupied Spain in May 18O8, which led to a Spanish and Portuguese revolt.

 

 Wellington resigned as chief Secretary for Ireland and resumed command of the army in Iberia. From then until 1815, Wellington was occupied with leading the British army in the defeat of the French.

He was created Earl of Wellington in February 1812 at Spencer Perceval's recommendation; eight months later, he was elevated to a Marquisate and in May 1814 he was given a Dukedom; he took his seat in the House of Lords in June. Wellington’s comment after the Battle of Waterloo was, Nothing except a battle lost can be half so melancholy as a battle won'. Although he was appointed as Commander-in-Chief of the Army, he did not return to active military life but became Prime Minister and elderly statesman.

As with Nelson there was a lot of interesting items of memorabilia produced in the mid to late 19th century.