Paris and Boulogne

1543-1552 (book)

by Terry Gore

Written by Elis Gruffyd this is published by the Pike and Shot Society, 2003. 78 pages, ISBN 1-902768-20-6 As a captain in the “Poor Bloody Infantry” of the English expedition in the 3rd futile war with France from 1543-1552, the Welsh author provides the reader with an interesting perspective on campaigning, soldiering and the view from the ‘trenches’ of 16th century warfare. His observations about the ‘poor and oppressed’ soldiers and civilians fill this 41 page volume. Of interest as well are why there were such numbers of Welsh soldiers who served in the English army during this period. The reasons for this are given in the forward to the book (by M. Bryn Davies) that it “…was partly the fertility of the women and the barrenness of the soil, which meant a surplus of young men obliged to try their fortunes abroad. The partly Welsh origins of the Tudors was also another stimulus to seeking fame and wealth in England.”

The author gives us his own opinion of the lack of awareness of strategic sense insofar as the English commanders go as well as lack on an adequate supply system…though this is a common complaint of soldiers throughout history! The disastrous campaign finds little to praise. Gruffydd laments the lack of discipline in the troops as well as the selfishness and foolishness of their commanders.

This book gives a good look at a soldier’s view of a campaign that failed, an interesting departure from the usual writings by the generals or ‘official’ chroniclers attempting to give themselves or their rulers credit, whether earned or not. The book also has over 30 pages of appendices at the end to augment the text. All in all, highly recommended. No price given, but visit the Society on their website at www.pikeandshot.org for more information.

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