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If you decide to read on you will find this site revolves around a period of history that fascinates me - the Seven Years War (1756 - 1763). It was a time that may justifiably be called the first truly global conflict; a time when the British Empire was being forged by famous names like Clive of India, Sir Eyre Coote, General James Wolfe and Major-General the Viscount Howe in Canada and North America, The Duke of Cumberland (The Butcher), The Marquis of Granby or infamously Lord George Sackville often known as the 'Coward of Minden'.

At sea the Royal Navy was a force to be feared, although it was not adverse to executing its own Admirals; poor Admiral Byng, made a scapegoat for not relieving the siege of Minorca in an operation that was doomed to failure from the start, and shot on his own quarterdeck aboard the Monarch.

However, there were those in the navy whose successes made them wealthy men. Byng's own cousin was Vice Admiral George Pocock and he chased the French Admiral Compte d'Aché from the Indian Ocean; Vice Admiral Sir Charles Saunders who bravely took his fleet up the St.Lawrence River to help execute one of the most significant combined force military operations of the age - The Siege of Quebec.

It is not just the British military expansion that interests me but the political and military alliegences of the time. Old allies from the War of Austrian Succssion became enemies and old enemies became allies in new and unlikely ways.

In Europe, the brilliant military strategist Frederick the Great of Prussia fought on many fronts against Austria, Russia, France and Sweden; his only real allies England and Hanover - enemies of just 10 years before!

A wise man once said that "the British Empire was won on the banks of the Rhine" and this was achieved during the Seven Years War and the peace treaties that followed the cessation of hostilities.

If this brief introduction has interested you and you would like to learn more about the British history of the time I would recommend one book in particular: Battle for Empire - the very first world war - by Tom Pocock. ISBN 1- 85479-390-X.

If you wish to learn more about the conflicts in Europe look for books written by Dr Christopher Duffy.

Latest News

SYWA Members in the UK - Sad News

I'm sorry to inform you that our good friend, and Seven Years War personality, James Mitchell, died on February 14, 2007. Apparently, he died of a massive heart attack early morning after his arrival at work.
Jim was the editor of the SYWA journal and great promoter of the study and gaming of the 18th century. He will be truly missed by all who have been touched by his kindness and humor over the years. Who will ever forget his rendition of 'Frederick the Great I am' sung to the tune of 'I'm Henry the Eighth I am'?
Jim was a true man on horseback for the hobby and will be missed greatly.

Issue 4 of vol XIV will be ready towards the middle of February. Any members wishing to make a contribution towards the editorial contact should contact me as soon as possible.

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Link to index of articles published in
Miniature Wargames on the 18th Century

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Email: Philip Mackie

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