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British Quote by Geoffrey Wheatcroft

“Technically it was a victory for the British, who attacked the patriot fortifications but a Pyrrhic victory if ever there was: out of 2,200 British soldiers 1,034 were killed or wounded, including one in nine of all the officers the British lost in the whole war.” quote by Geoffrey Wheatcroft
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“Technically it was a victory for the British, who attacked the patriot fortifications but a Pyrrhic victory if ever there was: out of 2,200 British soldiers 1,034 were killed or wounded, including one in nine of all the officers the British lost in the whole war.”

Geoffrey Wheatcroft

About This Quote

Source Historical analysis: British campaign in the American Revolutionary War, 1776-1783

The British won the battle but suffered such heavy losses that the win was strategically costly and offered little advantage.

In simple terms: A costly win that hurts more than helps.

Key Takeaway

Avoid victories that cost too much.

Themes

military strategy cost of war pyrrhic victory

Mood

reflective serious

Type

historical analytical

When to use this quote

  • military planning
  • risk assessment
  • historical study
  • policy making

Key Concepts

strategic trade‑off resource depletion leadership loss

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is the price of success worth the loss?
  • How can leaders balance immediate results with future costs?
A Different Perspective

The short‑term gain may mask long‑term damage.

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