Location
National Army Museum, London
John Gaspard Le Marchant joined the British Army at the age of 16. 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 set about designing a new cavalry sabre, writing instruction manuals on swordsmanship and training cavalry men throughout the country.
Following his proposal for a military establishment for the professional training of Army officers, the Royal Military College was eventually founded in 1801. Le Marchant served as its inaugural Lieutenant-Governor. The institution later relocated to Sandhurst, where it evolved to become the world-famous Royal Military Academy.
Paul Le Messurier is a historian and author who focuses on local and military history. 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.
Attendees can join in person or online. For more details and to book a free ticket:
https://www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/most-able-officer-major-general-john-le-marchant