6 - The Defence and Expansion of Britain's Eastern Empire

Summary

‘[Your orders are] to best protect the … Settlements of His Majesty's Subjects and His Allies in the East Indies.’

The Defence of British Possessions

British territory was protected by the actions of both the army and navy. This could be effected either by the direct defence of colonies or through the offensive action of depriving the enemy of potential bases from which to attack British interests. The strategies were built on the complex relationships between the two armed forces, and connections largely dictated how successful they were.

Political Control of the Army

Because of the time taken for letters to reach Rainier, he was, to all intents and purposes, in an independent command. As the Governor General was, de facto and de jure, the commander-in-chief of the army, Rainier had to use his own judgement as to the optimum method of cooperation on behalf of the navy. He could not pass on his problems to a more senior officer and he could not bow to Wellesley's authority and power, which would be an abrogation of his own position. His original orders from the Admiralty had enjoined him to consult with the Governor General, implying that he was not to take orders from him. This was not an easy situation in which to find himself. He had also to remember that Wellesley had a huge army at his disposal, far larger than in any other arena of war.