Anson was promised 500 soldiers for attacks on Spain's Pacific possessions. The Army supplied men from Chelsea Hospital who were considered too old, weak, or limited for normal service, and only roughly half embarked. Some needed to be carried aboard, while many of the fitter men absconded. Naval officers preferred to recruit young Marines without drill or firearms experience and train them during the voyage. Willing veterans who remained supplied experience and helped train the recruits. Their contribution qualifies the criticism of an assignment poorly matched to expeditionary combat.
Chapter · 25:45-28:55
Anson's Chelsea invalids and untrained Marine replacements
Anson received Chelsea invalids for attacks on Pacific colonies, but some of the veterans later helped train his newly recruited Marines.