Author: ANDREW THOMAS SWIFT
Thesis: 2014. 97 pages.
This paper examines the British sieges of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz from the Peninsula Campaign of the Napoleonic Wars. Following an introduction on siege warfare, the principal British characters and organizations are introduced. Subsequent chapters cover earlier sieges at the two Spanish fortresses. When looking at the 1812 sieges of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz in detail, attention is given to the decisions made by the British commander, Sir Arthur Wellesley (later the Duke of Wellington). While the execution of his siege operations resulted in high casualty rates, Wellington lacked the means necessary to carry out siege warfare in the most efficient manner.
I would also highly recommend Wellington's Engineers by Mark Thompson who also has a forthcoming book on John Burgoyne, Wellington's senior engineer officer in the Peninsula.
The first book handily describes the problems the Royal Engineer arm, initially an officers-only organization, had conducting sieges and why.
This is a book that anyone interested in the Royal Engineers, British sieges in the Peninsula, and the transformation of the Royal Engineers from a staff organization to a combat arm, should read. In short, it is a must-have for the period.