British respect for George Washington runs deep. In 1814, while on its way to burn the city named in his honor, a British fleet tolled a salute to Washington as it passed by Mount Vernon. So it comes as no surprise that a debate hosted by the UK's National Army Museum selected Washington as the greatest foe to ever lead an army against Britain:
The other choices were Michael Collins, Napoleon Bonaparte, Erwin Rommel and Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Who else do you think deserved consideration?
Link -via Ace of Spades HQ | Image: Smithsonian Institution
At the event, each contender had their case made by a historian giving a 40 minute presentation. The audience, who had paid to attend the day, then voted in a secret ballot after all five presentations had been made. [...]
Stephen Brumwell, author and specialist on eighteenth century North America, said: "Washington scores highly as an enemy of Britain on three key grounds: the immense scale of damage he inflicts upon Britain's Army and Empire – the most jarring defeat that either endured; his ability to not only provide inspirational battlefield leadership but to work with civilians who were crucial to sustain the war-effort; and the kind of man he was. As British officers conceded, he was a worthy opponent.
The other choices were Michael Collins, Napoleon Bonaparte, Erwin Rommel and Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Who else do you think deserved consideration?
Link -via Ace of Spades HQ | Image: Smithsonian Institution
Washington lost more battles than he won, but he was ultimately successful -- the most important test for any general.
He was a master of disengaging and retreating from an attacking enemy while preserving his army. Contrast Washington's skill at this task with that of Horatio Gates at Camden.
Caesar (Julius and Claudius) would have been excluded because the debate was limited to the Seventeenth Century onward.
Hitler wasn't a battlefield general so he wasn't a choice. I probably would have voted for Napoleon. Washington was more lucky than good.
I suspect you may no be dealing with a group that represents the feelings of most Britons. I think if you asked most Brits you would get the answer Adolf Hitler.