Awful dilemmas in civil war

Civil war forces everyone to become involved and make a terrifying choice. A decision must be made. For them or against them. Expect no mercy if you make the wrong choice. Your friends and family may have chosen differently. Not just Libya; England 17th Century. France during the Revolution, in 1815 and in 20th century. All over the world now. A horrible dilemma to be in. God help all those in that position.

Libya and Sedgemoor

Currently researching Monmouth’s Rebellion and the battle of Sedgemoor. It is difficult to avoid thinking of the West Country rebels, mainly respectable tradesmen, often older than 25 and married and comparing them with the Libyan up-risers.

Worse, to contemplate their fate under Judge Jeffreys and to wonder what may befall the Libyan rebels if the government crushes them by force.  England in 1685 should surely have been the subject of the then-equivalent of a no-fly zone and universal condemnation? Perhaps not. That is what often happens to rebels who lose. God help them.

History getting in the way

Had to send a picture of myself to the French end of the twinning process. Not having any portraits I forwarded a proof of my Agincourt CD book cover which has a small pic of me on it. Got a very quick and mock-sharp reply saying , in effect, “We don’t do Azincourt here. Too many bad memories.” I hope the cordiality of the twinning isn’t prejudiced! I will find out when I visit next month.

Wrington Twinning links to Napoleon

No military history in past week; time largely spent in selling space in the Wrington french language leaflet to be distributed by our twin Villeneuve-sur-Beziers deep in the south of France.

But a future visit there would give another chance to drive La Route Napoleon coming home. I love it; such beautiful country and such a thrilling story. (Campaign Trail No 2!) The anniversary of the start of the epic journey is approaching. So this time in 1815 Bonaparte would have been in the final stages of his plan to escape from Elba. I wonder who else knew? He kept his cards very close and most of the troops learnt of the venture only at the last minute.  Sensible.

Campaign Trails Next Title

It’s been too long since I published a new title.  HQ SAS were very coy about my last proposal and refused permission!  Hey-ho, but quite understood.

So we’ll go back in time to the Battle of Sedgemoor and Monmouth Rebellion in 1685, which is oddly appropriate in view of the revolutionary spirit in the middle-east.  The punishment of Monmouth’s Rebels was brutal in the extreme.  Memo: don’t back the losing side!

I’m very much hoping that General Barry Lane will write and narrate this one.  He is a very busy man in his retirement, but always finds time to do a battlefield tour or two over the ground, on and around Sedgemoor, to the benefit of ABF, The Soldiers Charity.

These tours have been hugely popular.  They are as much about the background to the rebellion as the action on the ground.

Monmouth’s Rebels were far from revolutionary students or dispossessed paupers.  They tended to be earnest family men, in employment and the sort you would expect to see coming out of chapel on a Sunday.  In the end they were no match for the King’s army.

Anyhow, the good General is considering this demand, or request, for his precious time and I will await the outcome whilst continuing my own research on the subject.  Either way, the charity will benefit in the end.

That’s it from me for now…

John Urquhart

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