Cavalry Embarking at Blackwall, 24 April 1793

In many ways, this is a highly poignant picture. British Cavalry are preparing to depart from Perry's dock, Blackwall. The troops are thought to be on their way to Ostend to join in the war against Revolutionary France. It was anticipated that it would be a quick campaign with nearly all the powers of Europe united in their hostility to the new regime in France. However, they were not to realise the power of the revolutionary ideas unleashed by events in and around and Paris. Consequently, the war would continue for the next 22 years with huge sacrifice and commitment from all concerned.