Newbury author publishes Tangier: The Earliest Battle Honour

THE military imprint of Pen & Sword Books Ltd has published a fascinating new title by Newbury author John Hawkins: Tangier The Earliest Battle Honour.

In 1661 Portugal ceded the Moroccan city of Tangier to Charles II as part of Catherine of Braganza’s dowry settlement.

Thus started the adventure known as ‘English Tangier’ whereby the Stuart monarch spent a king’s ransom defending a city perched precariously on the North African coast, surrounded by hostile powers.

Woven into the historical fabric of 17th century, this is a compelling narrative history bringing to life the characters that comprised English Tangier and the greed, ambition and religious fervour which drove the political manoeuvrings, ignited the emotions and produced acts of extreme heroism in the struggle to impose British rule on an alien culture.

The book describes the surreal reality of life in Tangier, the Tangier Regiment, the developing army tradition of dashing gallantry and unselfish bravery, and other regiments holding the earliest battle honour – ‘Tangier’.

It also highlights the actions of those who determined the development of the town and its eventual fate.

We see the results of decisions made by Charles II and his brother the Duke of York (soon to be James II), the qaids and sultans of Morocco, the Spanish Duke of Medina, Samuel Pepys and the successive governors of Tangier.

In his retirement John has spent several years researching the reign of Charles II from original sources in the British Library, National Archives, the Bodleian, National Maritime Museum and local archives.

In addition he has read widely from British, European and Moroccan sources and studied recent doctoral theses, as well as attending lectures and re-enactments.

This variety of sources has resulted in an original viewpoint.

The book is available in hardback from Amazon and all good bookshops, RRP: £25 ISBN: 9781399073066 256