A history and a personal account of great battle in a single volume

This unique Leonaur edition contains the well known and highly regarded personal account of the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-8, by an Australian volunteer serving as a doctor with Turkish forces. Initially attracted by a favourable remuneration package, the mercenary author of, 'Under the Red Crescent' often found himself much closer to the thick of the action than his calling might reasonably suggest. The principal actions about which his narrative revolves are the notable battles around Plevna in 1877. To enable readers more fully understand the battles and campaign, Charles Ryan and John Sandes' account is accompanied here by an overview of the battle by William V. Herbert which is supported by illustrations and battle plans. The broader conflict, fought between the Turkish Ottoman Empire and Russia, was motivated in part by aspirations for independent nationhood in the Balkan region, following centuries of Turkish domination, and by the desire of Russia to regain some of the losses she had sustained during the Crimean War some twenty years previously. For all those with an interest in the many small wars in Europe during the 19th century, that created the nation states we know today, this is an essential book in every way.

Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket.