Sword Of The Covenant

From the Thirty Years’ War to the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, Sir Alexander Leslie fought not just with weapons, but with faith

- KENNY MacASKILL

SCOTLAND has had many famed military commanders throughout its history, from the Wars of Independence to more recent exploits with the British Army, and some even leading the armies of other nations.

But few can have served in as many different armies, fought in as many different wars, or even fought on as many different sides, as Sir Alexander Leslie.

This is the tale of a remarkable military commander who was far from being a craven mercenary. He was deeply principled, even if some might now view it as zealotry.

He was born in Balgonie, Fife, in 1580 as the illegitimate son of an army officer, and whether it was in the blood or through necessity, he was to pursue a military life in which he would excel.

The first army he served in wasn’t for Scotland — or even Britain — but the Dutch Republic. To be fair, standing armies, as such, weren't held, and military recruitment was driven by war. Joining an army would — almost by necessity — see gravitation to where soldiers were needed and conflict was ongoing or looming.

And so it was for Leslie as the Netherlands sought to break free from Spanish Habsburg control.

There he would serve with distinction, commencing from the early years of the 17th century. When a truce was called in 1606, his services were no longer needed, and he was required to retire or move on.