page_title: John Le Marchant (British Army officer, born 1766)
section_title: Legacy
hierarchical_section_title: John Le Marchant (British Army officer, born 1766) / Legacy
caption_attribution_description: Deutsch: General John Le Marchand (1766-1812) English: John Le Marchant (British Army officer, born 1766)
context_page_description: Major-General John Gaspard Le Marchant was one of the finest British cavalry commanders of his generation; he was also an intellectual soldier who had a great influence on the efficient functioning of the army he served in. He was instrumental in the process which produced the first British military academy and staff college; and he saw active service in the French Revolutionary Wars and the Peninsular War until his death at the Battle of Salamanca.
context_section_description: Le Marchant was responsible for a considerable improvement in the practical abilities of the British army on campaign.  His sword exercise undoubtedly augmented the combat capabilities of the British cavalry.  The military college produced many able staff officers, collectively known as "Wycombites," who went on to serve in important staff positions in the Peninsular War and the Waterloo Campaign.  He also introduced the idea that officers should be formally trained in their duties rather than having to pick up the rudiments of their profession on active service.
  Le Marchant was liked and admired by many in his profession, soldier and officer alike.  The Duke of York, the commander-in-chief of the British Army, is said to have wept when he was told of Le Marchant's death.
  He wrote several treatises on cavalry tactics and other military subjects, most published semi-anonymously (the ones adopted as army regulations were not officially ascribed to a single author). These included Rules and Regulations of the Sword Exercise and The Duties of Officers on the Outpost. His treatise An Outline of the General Staff of the Army was presented to the Duke of York in 1802. Its recommendations were not taken up in their entirety, but several of his suggestions were, such as the setting up of a "Staff Corps"; such a corps played an invaluable role in the functioning of the British Army during the Peninsular War.
  John Le Marchant was buried on the field of battle, however, a monument to him was erected in St Paul's Cathedral, London.
  Fort Le Marchant on the north coast of Guernsey is named for him.
caption: General John Le Marchant (1766-1812)
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