Camden 1780: The annihilation of Gates’ Grand Army (Campaign, 292)

Following the disastrous defeat of John Burgoyne's army at Saratoga, the British were forced to rethink their strategy for ending the American Revolutionary War. A new commander-in-chief, Sir Henry Clinton, was instructed to shift the focus of the war to the southern colonies.The new theatre brought the British their most comprehensive victory of the war at Charleston, but subduing the entire region was a herculean task, which Clinton left in the hands of his subordinate, Lord Cornwallis. Aware that his small army would be unable to defend the vast area he was responsible for, Cornwallis chose to go on the offensive, seeking out the remnants of organised resistance.Marching to meet him was Horatio Gates at the head of his 'Grand Army'. When the two forces met, at Camden on the morning of 16 August 1780, Cornwallis won a famous victory and the pacification of the south seemed to be unfolding exactly as planned. Packed with maps and full-colour artwork, this comprehensive account is a vivid portrayal of Britain's last great military triumph of the war. Read more