This is
historical military fiction covering the Peninsula War in Portugal and Spain
when England stood virtually alone against Napoleon in Europe. It is familiar
territory to readers of Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe series and even to those who
have read Georgette Heyer's The Spanish Bride, a retelling of the real life
story of Harry Smith of the 95th rifles. This is the story of an
imaginary regiment but is based on fact. I found it competent rather than
inspired but it certainly conveyed the brutal reality of close up encounters
with rifle and bayonet as well as adding to our understanding of the strategic,
budgetary and political considerations of the generals. Getting new recruits to take the King's
shilling was always a tough ask, although poverty led to many joining up on
promises, which were sometimes kept, of regular pay and good food. One aid to
the task was a marching song to the traditional Scottish tune of "Oh Bonnie
Wood O'Craigielee" which is now better known, in Australia at least, as
Waltzing Matilda. The full lyrics are at the front of the book.
A bold fusilier came
marching back through Rochester
Off for the wars in a
far country,
And he sang as he
marched
Through the crowded
streets of Rochester,
Who'll be a soldier
with Wellington and me?
Who'll be a soldier?
Who'll be a soldier?
Who'll be a soldier
with Wellington and me?
And he sang as he
marched
Through the crowded
streets of Rochester,
Who'll be a soldier
with Wellington and me?
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