Memoirs of a Sergeant in the 43rd Light Infantry in the Peninsular War

In this anonymously published memoir, the experiences of a “light-bob”, or light infantryman, are recounted in a readable and exciting account. The Author reveals himself to be a proud Irishman who joined the 43rd in time to join the expedition to Denmark, before embarking on more serious skirmishing and heavy fighting in the Peninsular. First during Sir John Moore’s retreat to Coruña and then as part of the famed Light Division under General Craufurd. His view of the actions on the Coa, Masséna's invasion of Portugal, the battle of Fuentes d'Oñoro, the siege of Ciudad Rodrigo follow before his wounds at the storming of Badajoz force his retirement.
The author gives an excellent account of the day-to-day life as an N.C.O. in the light infantry, tactics and experience recounted in detail, along with the impact on the Portuguese and Spanish civilians that he encounters.
An enjoyable Peninsular read.
Author — Anon
Text taken, whole and complete, from the edition published in 1835, London, by John Mason.
Original Page Count – 278 pages.