"As this new book demonstrates, the maritime dimension was both broad and deep, stretching from the very start of the military intervention to the final days of Wellington's invasion of southern France. The Navy not only transported the armies to the theatre - and evacuated them when required, as at Corunna - but also provided direct support to the land campaigns in terms of heavy-gun crews at sieges; and also tied down large numbers of enemy troops by diversionary attacks on coastal targets. But the biggest contribution was less visible, though arguably the most significant: in order not to lose local support, Wellington refused to let his army live off the land as the French had done, so all provisions - food, clothing and arms - were supplied from the sea. This was an enormous undertaking, involving nearly 1000 ships (or about 10 percent of the British merchant marine) which had to be convoyed and protected, tying up valuable warships in the process." "This new book is the first full study of the workings of sea power in the campaign, from operations to the complexities of logistics and administration. It is significant reading for naval and military historians alike."-- From the book jacket.

Portugal, 1807-8 -- The Spanish revolt, 1808-9 -- Portugal, 1809-12 -- Convoys, bullion and arms -- Cadiz and the Eastern coast, 1810-14 -- The Northern coast, 1810-14.