Book - Founder of Sandhurst, Maj-General John Le Marchant
A most able officer
Published September 2024
John Gaspard Le Marchant was born in France in 1766, his father from
Guernsey, his mother French. He joined the British Army aged sixteen and
despite his family’s moderate wealth and lack of society connections, he rose
through the ranks to become one of the most accomplished cavalry officers of
his time.
A master swordsman, he had seen how poor training with the sword
resulted in numerous casualties amongst the British cavalry – sometimes
accidentally self-inflicted. Le Marchant set about designing a new cavalry
sabre, writing instruction manuals on swordsmanship and training cavalry
men throughout the country. Le Marchant’s achievements did not go
unnoticed and he enjoyed the patronage of George III and the Duke of York.
He didn’t stop there. His proposal for a military establishment for the
professional training of army officers initially met with opposition. He
persevered, and the Royal Military College was founded in 1801, where he
served as its inaugural Lieutenant-Governor. Later relocating to Sandhurst, the
institution evolved to become the world-famous Royal Military Academy.
In 1811, Major-General Le Marchant joined the Duke of Wellington’s army in
Portugal and Spain. At the Battle of Salamanca he led what is considered to
be one of the most successful British cavalry charges of the Peninsular War.
He was killed during the battle, aged 46.
A fearless cavalry officer and commander, expert swordsman, visionary and reformer, talented artist and devoted family man, Le Marchant’s legacy lives on at Sandhurst.
The Author
Paul Le Messurier was born and educated in Guernsey where he developed
an interest in history, in particular the occupation of the Channel Islands
during the Second World War. Following a career in business, he has turned
his attention to researching and writing about local and military history. A
resident of Surrey for several years, his books include 'Surrey’s Military
Heritage' and 'Founder of Sandhurst, Maj-Gen John Le Marchant'. Paul is an
Associate Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and a member of the Society
of Authors.
Size: 234 x 156mm
Binding: Hardback
Extent: 288 pages
Illustrations: 30 illustrations