A recurring Anglosphere trope labels an aggressive commander 'not a gentleman.' The comparison is with a Roman habit of blaming a predecessor's failed rites so that a new general could repeat the ceremonies and promise success. Even Wellington, for whom the social label fits awkwardly, could attract the accusation. Such descriptions belong to military storytelling and institutional culture rather than serving as neutral measures of command ability.
Notable Point · 1:34:26-1:35:40
The 'not a gentleman' trope around aggressive commanders
Successful, aggressive commanders could attract accusations that they were not gentlemen, even in Wellington's case.