William Beatson's Military Career

Over a long and varied career, Major-General William Beatson earned a fine reputation as a leader of irregular cavalry in the nineteenth century. He trained many future commanders of the Victorian army, saw action in Spain and British India, and rode with the Heavy Brigade at the Battle of Balaklava.

Challenges and Conflicts

But tasked with disciplining the Turkish Bashi-Bazouks during the Crimean War, his character flaws led him into conflict with politicians and diplomats running the war, who accused him of inciting mutiny. Parliament, newspapers and the law courts then became his chosen battlefields as he fought to clear his name and return to duty.

Historical Significance

By bringing Beatson's life and career into sharper focus, Richard Stevenson connects wide-ranging themes in Victorian military and imperial history in a fresh and accessible way.