Jackie Fisher vs Louis-Nicolas Davout

As First Sea Lord, Fisher implemented sweeping reforms of the Royal Navy. He scrapped obsolete ships, concentrated the fleet in home waters, improved training, and introduced new technologies like submarines and destroyers. These reforms modernized the Navy.

As First Sea Lord, Fisher oversaw the design and construction of HMS Dreadnought, a revolutionary battleship with an all-big-gun armament and steam turbine propulsion. This ship rendered all previous battleships obsolete and triggered a global naval arms race.

Fisher resigned as First Sea Lord in protest over the Dardanelles campaign, which he opposed. His resignation caused a political crisis and weakened the government of H.H. Asquith. He was replaced by Henry Jackson.

Davout commanded the III Corps on the right flank, holding off the main Austrian-Russian attack while Napoleon crushed the center. His corps marched 120 km in 48 hours to reach the battlefield. This victory destroyed the Third Coalition and established French dominance in Europe.

Davout's single corps of 26,000 men defeated the main Prussian army of 63,000 under the Duke of Brunswick. He used aggressive tactics and superior discipline to rout the Prussians. This victory, on the same day as Napoleon's victory at Jena, led to the collapse of Prussia.

Davout was appointed governor-general of the newly created Duchy of Warsaw. He organized the Polish army and administration, implementing French legal and military reforms. His efficient governance helped secure Polish support for Napoleon's campaigns.

Davout commanded the I Corps in the center of the French line, leading assaults on the Russian fortifications. He was wounded but continued to command. The battle was a tactical draw but a strategic disaster for Napoleon, as the Russians withdrew and later forced the French retreat.

Davout held Hamburg against a Prussian-Russian siege for over a year, using harsh measures including expelling civilians. He surrendered only after Napoleon's abdication. His defense was militarily competent but criticized for its brutality, tarnishing his reputation.

After Napoleon's abdication, Davout submitted to the Bourbon monarchy and was made a peer of France. He did not join Napoleon during the Hundred Days until ordered to do so by the king. This pragmatic decision allowed him to retain his titles and avoid execution.