In an interview on War Crimes

Another historical figure you’re impressed by is Nelson. Tell me about Christopher Hibbert’s Nelson: A Personal History.

I read this book about three or four years ago. Christopher Hibbert is an absolutely wonderful biographer, another professional soldier. I seem to read a lot of books written by professional soldiers. 

How does this link to war crimes? 

Well, I don’t think Nelson ever committed any war crimes! But, for me, this book is about the link with my army background. I have always been interested in and admired effective military leaders. Nelson was a very complicated character. He could be extremely vain and arrogant but also he was a tremendous individual and absolutely loved by his men. People today in the Royal Navy still talk about what’s called the ‘Nelson Touch’. This was the manner in which he inspired both the officers and men around him to perform extraordinary deeds. For a time that was extremely brutal in terms of the conduct of warfare, he really was a remarkable man.

And do they make people like him any more?

I think it’s difficult to be this kind of leader any more. But, certainly in my experience of British army officers who I became quite close to during my military career, I would say many of his qualities still inspire junior officers in all three services today.