The Atlantic Ocean is apparently wider than I thought. You asked the question "Why do so many British people think....?" I would hope that everyone would actually know in whose favour the conflict was decided. However, the trauma has rightly or wrongly had a much greater effect than any other war before or since. That effect was still felt when I was a child during the 1960s, in a way that WW2 which had only ended a little over twenty years before wasn't. It might be less now. The war memorials of England (and probably the rest of the British Isles) are a continuing dampener to any celebrations of military supremacy during that conflict (which isn't really the British way anyway).
Dunkirk is a very worthy choice in my opinion. Rorke's Drift on the other hand... I think you should have a read of this. http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=rorke's%20drift&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&sqi=2&ved=0CC8QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FBattle_of_Rorke's_Drift&ei=4D4MUZ6zIIrXtAacx4DoBw&usg=AFQjCNGVtyHWHcucdtRm5IRoxbTXS0h1PQ The Battle of Rorke's Drift, also known as the Defence of Rorke's Drift, was a battle in the Anglo-Zulu War. The defence of the mission station of Rorke's Drift, under the command of Lieutenant John Chard of the Royal Engineers, immediately followed the British Army's defeat at the Battle of Isandlwana on 22 January 1879, and continued into the following day, 23 January. Just over 150 British and colonial troops successfully defended the garrison against an intense assault by 3,000 to 4,000 Zulu warriors. The massive, but piecemeal,[11] Zulu attacks on Rorke's Drift came very close to defeating the tiny garrison but were ultimately repelled. Eleven Victoria Crosses were awarded to the defenders, along with a number of other decorations and honours.
Thanks for the above, I am well versed in the intricacies of Rorkes Drift - typically many base their opinion on a certain film called Zula which was factually quite inaccurate. And despite its obvious merits for me personally the withdrawal from Dunkirk is a far better choice. Personal opinion though, that's what these forums are all about.
The Return to Dunkirk -1945: RETURN TO DUNKIRK [ETC.] : National Archives and Records Administration : Free Download & Streaming : Internet Archive
- political, historical and cultural impact - challenges faced by the Army - innovative use of strategy and tactics - global spread of British Army deployments - recognition of the vital contributions of Commonwealth troop Hence why Rorkes Drift is not really relevant. Trouble is, such polls are usually just a re-mash of populist views of history. Most participants probably don't even read the criteria, or have an in-depth knowledge of some of the proposed battles. Quebec would seem to be a good candidate - satisfying all of the criteria - although I don't know how you'd quantify the "Britains's Greatest Battle" part.
Looking at the criteria it appears that world war one and two should provide the vast majority of candidates, yet they seem to be rather understated.
It's only a bit of fun with some education thrown in. Stop taking it all so bloody seriously. Glad to see Blenheim in there. Spent alot of last year reading up on the Duke of Marlborugh & Prince Eugene . It makes a change to get away from WW2 for awhile.
Select passages from the diary and letters of the late John Blackader... Written chiefly during the most interesting scenes and engagements of the war in Flanders and Germany, conducted by John, Duke of Malborough... To which is prefixed, an account Internet Archive Search: Prince Eugene
Just a final thought. If that was the "official memory" didn't the British Government drop rather a large clanger by issuing something known as the Victory Medal to all those who served overseas between 1914-1918? Just a tad confused at what an official memory is actually supposed to mean? In 1919, the Geevor tin mine in Cornwall sank a new mine shaft. The tin mine was still very profitable at this time. They called the new mine 'The Victory Shaft'. Perhaps the British were brainwashed some time later.
The future Europe ? One of our KKs (Scots Guards speak for the Company Commander) was a Waterloo buff, he got us out of boring job by writing up an'exercise' around a week at SHAEF Belgium the company spent a few wet days trooping around Waterloo. Somewhat tempered by the fact the Sergeant Major was a Hougomont Farm expert and decided to join us for a couple of days - the days when we were going to 'see Brussels'. Internet Archive Search: waterloo 1815
Trumpeter Landfrey's Charge of the Light Brigade : Trumpeter Landfrey : Free Download & Streaming : Internet Archive Battle of Balaklava, October 25, 1854 -Recording date: August 2, 1890 trumpeter Landfrey, from the 17th Lancers, who sounded the bugle charge.
No mention of KOHIMA ? It's on the list. Pillock! Made me laugh, Ranville. I'm imagining you putting on a hat and switching to another computer to offer your self-critique. I hope it doesn't break out into a full-blown argument...
Waterloo Wins. Britain's Greatest Battles | Online Exhibitions | National Army Museum, London # Battle Votes 1Waterloo365 2Aliwal362 3D-Day/Normandy357 4Rorke's Drift168 5Imphal/Kohima164 6Musa Qala161 7El Alamein156 8Naseby121 9Somme85 10Blenheim73 11Goose Green65 12Quebec60 13Culloden57 14Imjin River57 15Lexington/Concord48 16Plassey45 17Megiddo44 18Gallipoli40 19Balaklava39 20Salamanca37
good day ritsonvaljos.01-02-1213,06:55pm.re:nam-brittains greatest battle.as you say_brittain could not afford to lose,they did not loose the battle of the atlantic,thanks to the r.n and the m.n bless them all.have a good one.bernard85
THE GUARDS REMEMBER - British Pathé 2SG The Grenadier company is that of the 2nd Bn Third Guards (Scots Guards) 4. Third Foot Guards | Hougoumont
The whole idea is daft. All of these battles, and many more not listed, made our history what it is. Greatest battle? Makes about as much sense as which is the most important leg on a chair - you end up on your ar$e if you lose any of them. Regards, MikB
It's now official :- http://www.telegraph.co.uk/history/10008053/Second-World-War-clashes-named-as-Greatest-British-Battle.html But then we knew this all the time. Maybe not quite so Forgotten now?!! Lionboxer
There's a tiny bit of me that finds it slightly awry, to the memory of the events, having a vote on a "greatest battle"...