The Lessons of the Campaign
The Indian campaign had taught important lessons that
Wellesley was to deploy in Europe. The logistical problems
of the Indian wars were particularly acute - supply
lines were sometimes hundreds of miles long and Wellesley
organised local traders to feed and water his soldiers
and remain in attendance during the campaign, thus avoiding
the need to live off the land and needlessly make enemies
of its native population. Wellesley also began strengthening
the infantry's discipline under fire required to make
possible the repeated close range volley fire necessary
to break the ranks of the enemy. Such withering fire
from defensive formations were later decisive at Waterloo.
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