William Cathcart is easy to overlook beside better-known commanders of the Napoleonic Wars. His career included command in Scotland and an expedition to Hanover, followed by service in Russia as ambassador and military commissioner. That work helped coordinate the alliance opposing Napoleon during the wars of liberation. His diplomatic and military experience helps explain why he could direct a large expedition containing other senior generals.
Notable Point · 13:58-15:30
Cathcart's overlooked role in coalition diplomacy
William Cathcart's later service in Russia shows why the army commander brought diplomatic as well as military experience to Copenhagen.