Gibraltar

Více o knize

For over three and a half years, from 1779 to 1783, Gibraltar faced a relentless siege by Spain and France, marking the longest siege in British history. This obsession with preserving Gibraltar was blamed for the loss of the American colonies during the War of Independence. Situated at the crossroads of the Mediterranean and Atlantic, Gibraltar was a melting pot of nationalities, languages, and social classes. Throughout the siege, thousands of soldiers, civilians, and their families endured intense bombardments, starvation, and disease. Ordinary people experienced extraordinary events, from naval battles to an attempted invasion of England and a daring sortie into Spain. Innovative weaponry like red-hot shot and shrapnel shells added to the chaos, with immense floating batteries contributing to the bombardment. This narrative intertwines military and social history, showcasing the lives of soldiers, sailors, civilians, royalty, workmen, engineers, priests, prisoners-of-war, spies, and surgeons, all engaged in a struggle for a fortress on a mere two square miles of rock. Rich in dramatic human detail, the story highlights courage, endurance, and the everyday experiences of those involved, brought to life through eyewitness accounts and expert research.