History of the Royal Sappers and Miners, Volume 1 (of 2) From the Formation of the Corps in March 1712 to the date when its designation was changed to that of Royal Engineers

A vivid chronicle traces the rise of a specialised military corps from its modest beginnings in 1712 through decades of peace‑time ingenuity and wartime urgency. The narrative follows the early engineers as they shape forts, clear obstacles and lay the groundwork for Britain’s expanding empire, all while navigating the daily challenges of a fledgling organisation.

Enriched with seventeen coloured plates, the volume brings to life the uniforms, tools and landscapes that defined the sappers’ world. The author weaves contemporary newspaper praise and personal gratitude into a scholarly account, drawing on journals, official memoranda and the Engineers’ Diary to give a clear picture of their evolving duties.

While the work reaches into later overseas campaigns, its primary focus remains the formative years, highlighting the quiet but vital labor that kept armies moving and fortifications standing. Listeners will come away with a deeper appreciation for the unseen architects of military history.