THE BRITISH CHEER: Psychological Warfare in the Napoleonic Era

1-243230

Suggests that the British Cheer wielded genuine power as a true 'weapon of war.' Surveys the history of acclamations in battle worldwide and British battle-cries from all periods before addressing the question of what the British Cheer actually sounded like. Issues of acoustics, physics, and the psychology of battlefield morale are considered, along with commentaries from significant military scholars throughout history. Examination of the Napoleonic-era Cheer then reveals the practically invincible 'recipe' of volley-cheer-charge that propelled the British Army to victory upon victory.

Comparison is drawn with French and other national patterns of vocalizing, along with analysis of those occasions when the Cheer might be suppressed. Finally, the attitude of the Duke of Wellington toward cheering is reconsidered. Examines from the Mahratta wars in India, through campaigns in Egypt, the Mediterranean, Flanders, the Caribbean and South America, as well as the war of 1812. The Peninsular and Waterloo campaigns feature prominently. Contains 12 mono illustrations.