I am glad to have this opportunity of expressing my gratitude to all those who have helped me in the preparation of this book, a number of whom, in no special order, deserve my particular thanks. Tim Readman read through the final draft and made a number of valuable suggestions.
Jean Hawkes once again overcame all the difficulties caused by my execrable handwriting (and on this occasion also the problems of very unfamiliar names of places and individuals) in patiently typing the book.
Colonel Ali Denizli of the Turkish Army (retd) gave valuable assistance on several aspects of the history of the Ottoman Army. In Plevna, Nicolay Petrov was a most helpful and courteous guide to the Panorama there, and subsequently assisted on a number of points relating to the Bulgarian Legion. In Bucharest, Alina Lefter helped me in explaining the use of some Roumanian military terms. Bob Williams provided invaluable help, particularly with the proper transliteration of Russian names, which I was able to include in the glossary.
As always I am greatly indebted to Duncan Rogers of Helion, who offered continual encouragement and support throughout the writing of the book. In particular he has been instrumental in the matter of illustrations and maps. On this occasion he has surpassed himself. Finally, my family have been patient and supportive throughout the project.