“The Battle of Dorking: Reminiscences of a Volunteer” is a novella written by Sir George Tomkyns Chesney, a British Army officer, and published anonymously in 1871. The story is considered one of the earliest examples of the “invasion literature” genre, which became popular in late 19th-century Britain. This genre explored themes of fears and anxieties surrounding the possibility of a foreign invasion of Britain.
The novella is set in the near future, around 1875, and is presented as a fictional reminiscence of an elderly British military officer. The narrator recounts the events of a devastating invasion of England by a fictionalized Germany, referred to as “The Empire of the North.” The invasion begins with a surprise attack, where the invaders quickly overpower the ill-prepared and unorganized British forces.
Chesney’s narrative unfolds with a pivotal clash unfolding in Dorking, where the invader’s forces confront the British defenders. The location of Dorking is of strategic importance, serving as a crucial link between the invaders’ landing point on the southern coast and London, the heart of the nation. Regrettably, the failure to safeguard the elevated positions of Ranmore and Box Hill, flanking the Mole Gap, grants the invaders a clear path to advance towards London. In the aftermath of the devastating conflict, Britain finds itself humiliated, with the loss of its once-mighty Empire.
The story describes the horrors of war, the destruction of English towns and cities, and the tragic loss of life. The defeat of the British military leads to a long and harsh occupation by the German forces. The story is written as a cautionary tale, warning the British public about the importance of maintaining a strong and well-prepared military in the face of potential threats.
The novella was published just a few years after the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871, which resulted in the unification of Germany and the establishment of the German Empire. The novella tapped into the prevailing fears in Britain at the time about the rise of a unified and powerful Germany and potential threats to the British Empire. It had a significant impact on British public opinion and led to a renewed focus on national defense and military preparedness. The novella tapped into the prevailing fear of invasion and highlighted the vulnerability of Britain during a time of changing geopolitical dynamics in Europe.
This work, along with other invasion literature of the time, influenced public perception and contributed to the buildup of British military strength in subsequent years. It also played a role in shaping discussions on the importance of national security and preparedness, making “The Battle of Dorking” a historically significant piece of literature.
