Fading Captain
Member
I'm curious what you would consider your favorite single set-piece battle and why (if this thread gets going, I'm hoping I can learn about some new battles and then hit the books!).
Here are my current favorite three off of the top of my head. I tend to like battles that involve the underdog winning despite overwheming odds against them--I suppose because I find these types of battles inspiring and moving reading.
Agincourt 1415. Ridiculously outnumbered and thoroughly exhausted, the English defeat the French with superior tactics and command structure. Part of my love for this battle comes from Shakespeare's Henry V, particularly the famous St. Crispian speech (even if you hate Shakespeare, as a grognard, you will probably like this speech!).
Chancellorville 1863. Outnumbered two to one, Lee throws out the rulebook, maneuvers like crazy, and spanks the Yanks.
Stalingrad 1942. The first thing that I think of when I hear the phrase "pincer move" or the word "encirclement." Epic, bloody, and prolonged. Shifted the tide on the eastern front--and of the entire second world war. Inspiring because the Russians learned so many hard lessons before they had their first major, decisive victory.
Here are my current favorite three off of the top of my head. I tend to like battles that involve the underdog winning despite overwheming odds against them--I suppose because I find these types of battles inspiring and moving reading.
Agincourt 1415. Ridiculously outnumbered and thoroughly exhausted, the English defeat the French with superior tactics and command structure. Part of my love for this battle comes from Shakespeare's Henry V, particularly the famous St. Crispian speech (even if you hate Shakespeare, as a grognard, you will probably like this speech!).
Chancellorville 1863. Outnumbered two to one, Lee throws out the rulebook, maneuvers like crazy, and spanks the Yanks.
Stalingrad 1942. The first thing that I think of when I hear the phrase "pincer move" or the word "encirclement." Epic, bloody, and prolonged. Shifted the tide on the eastern front--and of the entire second world war. Inspiring because the Russians learned so many hard lessons before they had their first major, decisive victory.