Comments on: 6 Generals Who Switched Sides Hoping for Reward

By: Sam

Sam — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 21:23:55 +0000

You’ve forgotten George Washington, who was originally a soldier in the British army but switched sides because, being american-born, he was not eligible to be a general.

By: Bobsen

Bobsen — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 19:41:22 +0000

What about General Andrey Vlasov who went from a top communist General (defending Moscow, no less) to the German side?
A very interesting story to say the least….
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrey_Vlasov

By: Jackson

Jackson — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 17:27:06 +0000

I’ve always been under the impression that Josephus’ works were comissioned by Vespasian for post-conquest propaganda. The Jewish people had a long and noble history, and it was believed Vespasian wanted to highlight that to the Roman people, to solidify his reputation and power. Also, if I remember right, Flavius Josephus was the only survivor of the Masada suicide. The fact that he “survived” isn’t exactly noble, but the resistance they gave Vespasian and Titus is worth note as not exactly turning tail and running as soon as he got the job. A wonderful story of dark humor if you ever have time. Almost a good movie idea.

By: robin

robin — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 07:10:15 +0000

Very interesting! You should also check out Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte, who left Napoleon and actually became the king of Sweden.

By: Nerak

Nerak — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 05:16:26 +0000

I just wanted to comment that the “El Cid” statue photographed is in Balboa Park in my native San Diego. I recognized it right away since I’ve been past it many times in the past 29 years. :)

By: Matt L.

Matt L. — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 01:42:05 +0000

How about John C. Pemberton, one of the few northerners who decided to fight for the Confederacy? He tried to hold Vicksburg against US Grant, but surrendered on July 4, 1863. He might have hoped for reward, but got little or nothing out of it.

By: Anthea

Anthea — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 20:54:27 +0000

Great post! Very interesting…

By: Chris

Chris — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:16:01 +0000

Correction – he was promoted to major general after several key military actions, but he was still snubbed by congress for further advancement. The Brits basically appealed to his vanity, as well as a more comfortable salary and pension.

By: Chris

Chris — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:08:05 +0000

I know a lot of people may ask ‘What about Benedict Arnold?’. He actually wasnt a general, which is a big part of the reason he switched sides. He was an exceptional Colonial officer, winning a key ‘naval’ battle on Lake Champlain, but he was snubbed repeatedly by congress and denied the rank of general. Plus his young wife had a taste for the finer things in life, which he could never afford even if we won (which seemed unlikely). So, he became the most famous American turncoat to date, and he was never fully embraced by Brits back in England.