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Wellington's Rifles: Six Years to Waterloo with England's Legendary Sharpshooters
A nineteenth-century Band of Brothers The 95th Rifles was one of history's great fighting units, and Mark Urban brings them and the Napoleonic War gloriously to life in this unique chronicle. Focusing especially on six soldiers in the first battalion, Urban tells the Rifles' story from May 25, 1809, when they shipped out to join Wellington's army in Spain, through the battle of Waterloo in June 1815. Drawing on diaries, letters, and other personal accounts, Urban has fashioned a vivid narrative that allows readers to feel the thrill and horror of famous battles, the hardship of the march across Europe, the bravery and camaraderie of a nineteenthcentury Band of Brothers whose innovative tactics created the modern notion of infantryman.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published January 2, 2003
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About the author
Mark Urban
25 books70 followersMark Urban is a British journalist, author and broadcaster, and is currently the Diplomatic Editor for BBC Two's Newsnight.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
January 20, 2019
If you have ever seen the Sharpe series then you are familiar with Britain's 95th Rifles, which served in the Peninsular War and again in the Waterloo campaign. This book gives a readable account of how the green-jacketed soldiers achieved their fame with new tactics and the Baker rifle. Robert Craufurd is probably the most famous general associated with the riflemen (other regiments also used the Baker). He was a man of fiery temper and strict discpline, who was not popular with his men until after his death at Ciudad Rodrigo in 1812.
Those who followed him varied in capability, but men like Beckwith and Barnard served their country well. After Napoleon's 1st abdication, the men who had survived made it home for a short spell before 6 battalions were called back to duty for the 100 Days.
The book describes the battles, but it also looks into the lives of the private soldiers, their merits and defects. One of the chapters deals with desertion. Some who tired of serving with no pay and a strict martinet did desert, only to be recaptured at Ciudad Rodrigo, after which they paid the ultimate price.
When the war ended, peace was welcomed, but it presented an uneasy future with invalid soldiers and not enough jobs. For all its fame, the survivors of the 95th had to cope with the unknown, just as did all of Europe.
Those who followed him varied in capability, but men like Beckwith and Barnard served their country well. After Napoleon's 1st abdication, the men who had survived made it home for a short spell before 6 battalions were called back to duty for the 100 Days.
The book describes the battles, but it also looks into the lives of the private soldiers, their merits and defects. One of the chapters deals with desertion. Some who tired of serving with no pay and a strict martinet did desert, only to be recaptured at Ciudad Rodrigo, after which they paid the ultimate price.
When the war ended, peace was welcomed, but it presented an uneasy future with invalid soldiers and not enough jobs. For all its fame, the survivors of the 95th had to cope with the unknown, just as did all of Europe.
November 11, 2020
This beautifully readable account of the Peninsular War and Waterloo through the lens of the 95th Regiment, the Rifles, combines both large and small-scale events, the end result being a good history of that part of the war as well as an interesting look at the riflemen whose exploits became legendary. I think I would have enjoyed it even more had I not been taking notes, which took me out of the flow of the story repeatedly. Enjoyment or not, I was definitely impressed by the work Mark Urban did to bring the narrative together.
While it's not the story of certain soldiers per se, Urban does follow the lives of six riflemen and officers, and this gives the book a solid throughline that, along with the accounts of everyday life as a soldier, keep the book from feeling academic and boring. I was reading it more for these details than for the accounts of battles, and I was not disappointed. Though I, like most of the English reading population, came to know of the Rifles through Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe novels (which are also very well researched) there was still a lot I didn't know, like how some captains carried books in their baggage that were freely loaned out among the men, or how those same men liked to put on amateur theatricals based on said books.
But even though my main interest was in the daily details, I really liked seeing the battles of the Peninsular War focused on the 95th's role in them. It gave those historical accounts an intriguing texture. And, of course, the repeated return to certain soldiers kept me worried for their fates and grateful when they survived.
The one thing I would have appreciated that wasn't included was an explicit breakdown of the 95th in terms of its organization and its leaders. The information is scattered throughout the book, but I kept losing track of which captains belonged to which companies. Aside from that, this was a fun read and a great resource. It moved Urban's book The Man Who Broke Napoleon's Codes higher on my list.
While it's not the story of certain soldiers per se, Urban does follow the lives of six riflemen and officers, and this gives the book a solid throughline that, along with the accounts of everyday life as a soldier, keep the book from feeling academic and boring. I was reading it more for these details than for the accounts of battles, and I was not disappointed. Though I, like most of the English reading population, came to know of the Rifles through Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe novels (which are also very well researched) there was still a lot I didn't know, like how some captains carried books in their baggage that were freely loaned out among the men, or how those same men liked to put on amateur theatricals based on said books.
But even though my main interest was in the daily details, I really liked seeing the battles of the Peninsular War focused on the 95th's role in them. It gave those historical accounts an intriguing texture. And, of course, the repeated return to certain soldiers kept me worried for their fates and grateful when they survived.
The one thing I would have appreciated that wasn't included was an explicit breakdown of the 95th in terms of its organization and its leaders. The information is scattered throughout the book, but I kept losing track of which captains belonged to which companies. Aside from that, this was a fun read and a great resource. It moved Urban's book The Man Who Broke Napoleon's Codes higher on my list.
August 5, 2019
Reading this book was a pleasure! The author balanced details of the campaigns and battles with anecdotes of the men very well, which made this book read like a story. It follows the lives of many of the soldiers of the 95th (both enlisted soldiers and officers), and through this gives the reader a taste of what these men felt and experienced in their campaigns in Iberia.
The plates are good and include original maps (drawn by a member of the 95th) and some nice paintings and portraits. Overall, the design of the book is very pleasing.
If you're interested in the Peninsular War, or have read Bernard Cornwell's Sharpes books, then I think you'll enjoy this excellent book.
The plates are good and include original maps (drawn by a member of the 95th) and some nice paintings and portraits. Overall, the design of the book is very pleasing.
If you're interested in the Peninsular War, or have read Bernard Cornwell's Sharpes books, then I think you'll enjoy this excellent book.
October 4, 2016
Having just got passed Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe's Rifles, I thought I'd read Mark Urban's Rifles and see what the truth was. Well, I found the facts more interesting and enthralling than the fiction. I get the impression that the fictional Richard Sharpe is kept away from fighting with the Rifles; if he had stayed with them he would've seen more action and found his fellow officers more accommodating in real life.
The 95th of Foot was a very important evaluationary step for the British Army, and interesting to note that the French still hadn't learnt the lessons by the time they committed their troops during the Great War.
The 95th of Foot was a very important evaluationary step for the British Army, and interesting to note that the French still hadn't learnt the lessons by the time they committed their troops during the Great War.
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May 17, 2024A narrative history of the first rifled units in the English army and their various battles against Napoleon. In retrospect I can see my erstwhile passion for military history as a late adolescent attempt to confirm a masculinity in which I so obviously lacked confidence (this was also why I liked Norman Mailer), and digging through boxes through earlier this month I was kind of going 'three books about the Boer war? Really?' But this one is actually a lot of fun, engaging popular history which I cribbed from for my first trilogy.
January 24, 2020
Mark Urban should be commended for his style or writing as well as capturing the very essence of serving in what we would call the “Light Infantry” today. He brought to life on these pages, the men who fought and died for the crown. I enjoyed the book and I would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in learning about the life of a common solider.
December 28, 2023
Excellent bottom up perspective of soldiering at the cutting edge of tactical innovation in the napoleonic wars. Urban blends together sources exquisitely to form a comprehensive and immersive picture of life and death fighting the french. The recounting of the stormings of ciudad rodrigo and badajoz were especially breathtaking for bringing the tactical decisions and mistakes to life as well as sombering in revealing how murderously brutal the experience for the attacking force was.
Highly recommended for anyone wanting to get some well sourced history to reinforce their reading of the Sharpe series.
Highly recommended for anyone wanting to get some well sourced history to reinforce their reading of the Sharpe series.
November 30, 2018
Very well written and enthralling account of the 95th Rifles in the Penninsular War and Waterloo.
April 29, 2020
Overall, a good read that simply, and effectively, takes the reader through the Rifles' journey.
However, to keep the review short, Urban fails to drive home the significance of Rifles' battle tactics and technique. But I was looking for a more analytical piece rather than a narrative of the 95th etc. Otherwise, I would have given this work a higher rating. I would still recommend to anyone.
However, to keep the review short, Urban fails to drive home the significance of Rifles' battle tactics and technique. But I was looking for a more analytical piece rather than a narrative of the 95th etc. Otherwise, I would have given this work a higher rating. I would still recommend to anyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2021
Brilliant
Well done Mark Urban. I am ex Light Infantry serving in 2LI in the early 80’s. Being interested in the history of the Light Infantry, Mark has made the history come alive in an excellent narrative.
Well done Mark Urban. I am ex Light Infantry serving in 2LI in the early 80’s. Being interested in the history of the Light Infantry, Mark has made the history come alive in an excellent narrative.
December 1, 2023
To write an engaging book about wars fought two hundred years ago is no easy task, but Mark Urban is up to the challenge. Using primary sources, he brings, along with the information, the personalities of the officers and men of the 95th, their virtues and vices, quirks and kindnesses into focus, and even sometimes, into one's heart. Urban brings the time and the place and even this 'new' method of fighting (learned, ahem, from fighting in North America) to life also. It helps that I had first read the less well organized book on the history of the founding of the 95th which begins in Pennsylvania with George Washington and his youthful battles, fighting alongside the British during the French and Indian Wars. He and many other Americans tried to convince the British officers to fight differently but they wouldn't. . . . and were, of course, slaughtered. Decades later new ideas have filtered in and become a reality. The military is allowing an experimental unit to prove itself. In this new regiment the men are treated with a little more respect, taught to aim (long story, wasn't worth it with muskets) and given freedom when in battle to make their own decisions about what to do. The 95th even encouraged the common soldiers to learn to read. This was revolutionary! Anyway, the focus here is on the Peninsular Wars and Waterloo and the role the 95th played in both. If you read Georgette Heyer you may know that Napoleon extended himself in many directions including trying to conquer all of the Iberian peninsula, which likely he would have done if he hadn't ALSO tried to conquer Russia. (So so crazy). Many of her male characters have been in the army and therefore were either on the Peninsula and/or at Waterloo. The project I am now focussed on made me want to actually know more so there is a foundation even to a few casual or maybe not so casual references I might make. I have some further reading to do -- some primary sources, memoirs by soldiers who survived (and about whom I already know quite a lot from this book) and I am looking forward to reading them. I felt surges of emotion here and there as I read about these men and their doings. As always mystified and unsettled by this aspect of human beings, but also in awe of acts of courage and determination. This period, one to which we are still closely connected, was one of immense changes, new ideas, new inventions and the military, while often very resistant (disastrously so, once again, in 1914) to change, did change as this regiment proved their value. ****1/2
March 24, 2023
Brilliantly engaging account, a page turner.
I feared this would be rather dry as these things can be, detached from the narrative of a particular conflict, but it isn't. Urban tells the story of the 95th through their engagements in the Peninsular war & Waterloo, using each battle as an opportunity to flesh out the cast of characters the book focuses on, and the making of the men who formed the legendary outfit.
I particularly enjoyed the focus on George Simmons, a character who appears frequently in Napoleonic accounts as a British source. He is, I feel, the true hero of this particular account: lucky enough to survive beyond the war, Simmons is a consistent presence in the regiment and a truly remarkable man for all his humble origins.
Urban brings to life many officers and soldiers like this: O'Hare, Cameron, Fairfoot, Costello, Henry Smith & of course Robert Craufield are just some of the characters built up in this story. Often with 'soldier-POV' books I can get a little lost with the names, but Urban paints each character as a person and builds a real sense of familiarity with the men of the 95th & Light Brigade at large throughout his account. I felt connected to these characters by the end, content to read the relatively happy endings of some and quite deflated to read of the misfortune of others - such is war, I suppose.
The only thing lacking, in my view, was more commentary on the inception of the 95th regiment itself, and the training/recruitment process back at home. This was briefly covered at the start but it would have been nice to have more insight on it.
Great little read with a lot going for it.
I feared this would be rather dry as these things can be, detached from the narrative of a particular conflict, but it isn't. Urban tells the story of the 95th through their engagements in the Peninsular war & Waterloo, using each battle as an opportunity to flesh out the cast of characters the book focuses on, and the making of the men who formed the legendary outfit.
I particularly enjoyed the focus on George Simmons, a character who appears frequently in Napoleonic accounts as a British source. He is, I feel, the true hero of this particular account: lucky enough to survive beyond the war, Simmons is a consistent presence in the regiment and a truly remarkable man for all his humble origins.
Urban brings to life many officers and soldiers like this: O'Hare, Cameron, Fairfoot, Costello, Henry Smith & of course Robert Craufield are just some of the characters built up in this story. Often with 'soldier-POV' books I can get a little lost with the names, but Urban paints each character as a person and builds a real sense of familiarity with the men of the 95th & Light Brigade at large throughout his account. I felt connected to these characters by the end, content to read the relatively happy endings of some and quite deflated to read of the misfortune of others - such is war, I suppose.
The only thing lacking, in my view, was more commentary on the inception of the 95th regiment itself, and the training/recruitment process back at home. This was briefly covered at the start but it would have been nice to have more insight on it.
Great little read with a lot going for it.
July 22, 2024
This was an interesting read about a regiment from a time period that my main knowledge comes from Abba songs and Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure.
We see the unit change and win and lose. I cared about a lot of the people, though they flittered in and out of the story and it was hard to remember the large cast. I thought it had a strong narrative pull, though there was definitely a lull after Barajoz. This was simply because the 95th had so many casualties that most of our "main characters" disappeared and were replaced.
I thought it showed aspects of military life that were new to me, such as life between battles and the hospital in Lisbon and the attitude to skulkers. I felt like it ended with Waterloo was a bit of an extra section as they had done most of the work already (which I think was reflected in their performance and how they didn't want to be there.)
I found the text about battle placements could really have used some maps, until I found the maps. They were rubbish with the text being so small it was unreadable. After I accepted that I wasn't getting good quality maps to explain the battles I got more into it.
A book that I am glad I read, and would recommend to any history or military buffs. I am neither of those things, but I still enjoyed the book.
We see the unit change and win and lose. I cared about a lot of the people, though they flittered in and out of the story and it was hard to remember the large cast. I thought it had a strong narrative pull, though there was definitely a lull after Barajoz. This was simply because the 95th had so many casualties that most of our "main characters" disappeared and were replaced.
I thought it showed aspects of military life that were new to me, such as life between battles and the hospital in Lisbon and the attitude to skulkers. I felt like it ended with Waterloo was a bit of an extra section as they had done most of the work already (which I think was reflected in their performance and how they didn't want to be there.)
I found the text about battle placements could really have used some maps, until I found the maps. They were rubbish with the text being so small it was unreadable. After I accepted that I wasn't getting good quality maps to explain the battles I got more into it.
A book that I am glad I read, and would recommend to any history or military buffs. I am neither of those things, but I still enjoyed the book.
June 18, 2022
Urban has brought to life several of the characters who made the 95th of Foot and were particularly Chosen Men. The hardships and privations of an infantryman in Wellington's army are well described and the lack of food, clothing, water, shelter in all weathers is not sugarcoated. That they could march the distances and still fight or even want to fight, at the end is simply staggering. The lure of potential reward through plunder or recognition of bravery for officers and men both provides and insight into the motivation of these men who clearly lived with death daily.
The tale covers the morning of the expeditionary force and follows it through the campaign, the characters being woven into the story from old records, diaries, official reports and the like. The demobilisation and resettlement could be given more consideration by the current 'powers' when considering the consequences of war on military personnel in more recent campaigns.
The tale covers the morning of the expeditionary force and follows it through the campaign, the characters being woven into the story from old records, diaries, official reports and the like. The demobilisation and resettlement could be given more consideration by the current 'powers' when considering the consequences of war on military personnel in more recent campaigns.
September 26, 2018
A great telling of the well-storied 95th rifles, a British light division of the Peninsula war who took the teachings of the American Revolutionary War tactics to Europe. Accurate rifle fire from cover, but with the same officer politicking of the British army.
The book tries to tell this history by picking a few main characters and treating it more like a story. Although some audiences may have enjoyed this style better, I found myself wanting for more of the full story at points. There already exists multiple accounts of this group in story-form.
The book tries to tell this history by picking a few main characters and treating it more like a story. Although some audiences may have enjoyed this style better, I found myself wanting for more of the full story at points. There already exists multiple accounts of this group in story-form.
October 12, 2018
'Rifles' is an excellent book which flows in an organised chronological manner. Mark Urban follows the fortunes of Wellington's 95th Rifles from embarkation at Dover in 1809, through the long Peninsular campaign to Waterloo in 1815.
The author allows the reader to get close to several of these riflemen as their story is told; a fascinating intimate revelation of 'warts-and-all.' That is what makes this book special. We are left in no doubt that these riflemen were exceptional, and Wellington used them to his formidable advantage.
The author allows the reader to get close to several of these riflemen as their story is told; a fascinating intimate revelation of 'warts-and-all.' That is what makes this book special. We are left in no doubt that these riflemen were exceptional, and Wellington used them to his formidable advantage.
July 28, 2021
This was good, perhaps very good, in terms of the research and the detail.
It was not, however, the sort of swashbuckling romp that many readers might have hoped for if they were fans of a popular television series modelled on the rifles in Wellington's army.
I have read both the Recollections of Rifleman Harris and Johnny Kinkaids accounts. Although there were some overlaps, Mark Urban's book did have plenty of original material which made it a worthy addition to the other two in my collection.
It was not, however, the sort of swashbuckling romp that many readers might have hoped for if they were fans of a popular television series modelled on the rifles in Wellington's army.
I have read both the Recollections of Rifleman Harris and Johnny Kinkaids accounts. Although there were some overlaps, Mark Urban's book did have plenty of original material which made it a worthy addition to the other two in my collection.
July 30, 2021
This was good, perhaps very good, in terms of the research and the detail.
It was not, however, the sort of swashbuckling romp that many readers might have hoped for if they were fans of a popular television series modelled on the rifles in Wellington's army.
I have read both the Recollections of Rifleman Harris and Johnny Kinkaids accounts. Although there were some overlaps, Mark Urban's book did have plenty of original material which made it a worthy addition to the other two in my collection
It was not, however, the sort of swashbuckling romp that many readers might have hoped for if they were fans of a popular television series modelled on the rifles in Wellington's army.
I have read both the Recollections of Rifleman Harris and Johnny Kinkaids accounts. Although there were some overlaps, Mark Urban's book did have plenty of original material which made it a worthy addition to the other two in my collection
August 8, 2018
An awe inspiring insight into the lives of the men who fought through Portugal all the way up to Toulouse and then again at Waterloo, reading about the camaraderie and bonds formed between these men from all walks of life and reading their words and following their stories gives a real insight to a unique era of history
'not the memoirs of cannon fodder, but of spirited individuals who, somehow made a difference to the tide of history'
'not the memoirs of cannon fodder, but of spirited individuals who, somehow made a difference to the tide of history'
September 21, 2017
Not really for serious historical interest and I couldn't get into it as an adventure either. A great idea from Urban but I don't think he really pulled it off, although Sharp enthusiasts might take this a the next step???
May 14, 2023
Buy.
Great insight. A very good and initimate account of a small groundbreaking unit in the wars against Napoleon.
If anyone out there has some follow up recommendations or a particular suggestion on Napoleon from the tactical perspective, that would be most appreciated.
Great insight. A very good and initimate account of a small groundbreaking unit in the wars against Napoleon.
If anyone out there has some follow up recommendations or a particular suggestion on Napoleon from the tactical perspective, that would be most appreciated.
August 12, 2020
Great history of the Rifles during the Penisular War, works the narratives in effortlessly and is extremely informative.
January 18, 2021
Insightful account of Napoleonic Riflemen in the British Army. A brilliant read.
May 5, 2021
Could've lasted longer.
April 14, 2024
Unbelievably good. Needs to have a HBO series
November 26, 2013
Most readers will be familiar with the famous greenjackets of the 95th Rifle Regiment through Bernard Cornwell's "Sharpe's Rifles" series. This is ironic because, while Sharpe and his core followers are soldiers of the 95th Rifles, the 95th itself appears only in the very first novel and then the Waterloo installment. Therefore, this profile of the regiment should have an instant audience among fans of the popular Cornwell serial who are curious about the famed, hard-fighting outfit that lends Sharpe so much mystique, but appears very rarely in his adventures.
Mark Urban has not strayed very far from his previous work, "The Man Who Broke Napoleon's Codes," a profile of the Duke of Wellington's intelligence chief. In his history of the 95th, Urban details their participation in the campaigns of the Peninsular War of 1809-14, and then at the climactic battle of Waterloo. However, the 95th built its reputation in numerous engagements with the French stemming from outpost duty, vanguard and rearguard actions, raids, and the storming of fortresses. As an elite light infantry unit, they participated in most of the major battles of the Napoleonic British Army, but were never at the center of such set piece action. Paradoxically then, the Rifles saw considerable action without being front and center at any famous battle.
That considerable action makes the book exciting to read, and Urban ably weaves a story of Napoleonic soldiering through the personal experiences of a wide cast of characters, ranging from lowly privates to the Light Brigade's (later Division's) founder and first commander Brigadier "Black Bob" Craufurd. Heroism, chivalry, and honor stand side-by-side with privation, shirking and floggings in Urban's honest storytelling.
In an afterword, Urban outlines the rise of several officers of the 95th (and the larger Light Division) into the ranks of the general officers, how they came to dominate the mid-19th Century Royal Army, and how the Rifles tactics lived on to permeate the tactics and methods of that Army. The 95th Rifle Regiment itself lives on in the Royal Army (along with the sharpshooters of the 60th Royal Americans) as HM's Greenjackets, and their adventures live and breath in the pages of Urban's excellent book.
Mark Urban has not strayed very far from his previous work, "The Man Who Broke Napoleon's Codes," a profile of the Duke of Wellington's intelligence chief. In his history of the 95th, Urban details their participation in the campaigns of the Peninsular War of 1809-14, and then at the climactic battle of Waterloo. However, the 95th built its reputation in numerous engagements with the French stemming from outpost duty, vanguard and rearguard actions, raids, and the storming of fortresses. As an elite light infantry unit, they participated in most of the major battles of the Napoleonic British Army, but were never at the center of such set piece action. Paradoxically then, the Rifles saw considerable action without being front and center at any famous battle.
That considerable action makes the book exciting to read, and Urban ably weaves a story of Napoleonic soldiering through the personal experiences of a wide cast of characters, ranging from lowly privates to the Light Brigade's (later Division's) founder and first commander Brigadier "Black Bob" Craufurd. Heroism, chivalry, and honor stand side-by-side with privation, shirking and floggings in Urban's honest storytelling.
In an afterword, Urban outlines the rise of several officers of the 95th (and the larger Light Division) into the ranks of the general officers, how they came to dominate the mid-19th Century Royal Army, and how the Rifles tactics lived on to permeate the tactics and methods of that Army. The 95th Rifle Regiment itself lives on in the Royal Army (along with the sharpshooters of the 60th Royal Americans) as HM's Greenjackets, and their adventures live and breath in the pages of Urban's excellent book.
July 25, 2015
This is a fascinating work of narrative history which follows the famous 95th Rifles through their campaigns in Portugal, Spain and France; culminating with the 100 days campaign and Waterloo. The author manages to weave many a personal story into the book along with accounts of the campaigns, weaponry, tactics, supply, day to day life, hospitalisation, discipline and desertion. Due credit is also given to the other two famous regiments in the Light Brigade (43rd and 52nd), all of whom were at the sharp end of many tough engagements with the French. That the 95th Rifles is a famous regiment is beyond doubt, their accomplishments under arms are nothing short of remarkable. Fans of the Sharpe books or TV series will recognise the Green Jackets, this book provides a historical account which is much more informative and just as entertaining as those works. I recommend this book to any one with an interest in the Peninsula War or military history in general.
June 20, 2009
"Wellington's Rifles" is a well-written account of the 95th Regiment in the Napoleanic wars. The book achieves a solid balance between the detail required to cover the small scale battles this type of unit thrives in and the broader view that is required to pace the book through six years of campaigning. The use of six members of the unit as touchstones for the progression of the narrative works for the most part, but with the additional anecdotes found throughout the text this device may have been unnecessary. This volume also seems to keep reader more detached than was the case in "Fusiliers," but since I am not British and had not heard of the 95th before reading this book, it is possible I simply had less invested.
October 1, 2011
If your a fan of the Bernard Cornwall's Sharpe series or the television series, you'll find this book really interesting. Mark Urban tells the stories of the 1st Battalion of the 95th Rifles through personal diaries and letters and historic research. Urban helps you to understand about the combat during the Napolanic wars. The 95th rifles developed many of the tactics of the modern infantrymen. Some of these men were real heroes. It is a good read.
January 19, 2012
A narrative history about the work of the 95th regiment of Rifles during the Napoleonic War. Urban tries to make it human by focussing on a few soldiers and officers, but the base material he has to work with enables him to only partially succeed in making the men three dimensional and real. But what it has succeeded at is giving me a quick narrative of the Peninsular War, which is the backdrop of the Sharpe books by Cornwall, which I will have a peak at next. 2/5
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