Books #2 & 3: The Light Division in the Peninsular War vols 1 & 2

After the excitement of my first murder mystery, I decided to make a start on my Christmas books. I was lucky enough to receive a few (all non-fiction) books on British Light Infantry in the Napoleonic Wars. If you know me, you'll know that this is my sort of thing, I'll happily plonk myself down and lose myself in a non-fiction book as I look to expand my knowledge.

So why these books in particular? As I said above, this is my cup of tea. I did my Masters on the 95th Rifles, and my undergrad dissertation on the 95th Rifles. I also re-enact the 95th Rifles, so I'm always trying to read and further my knowledge. The 95th were part of the Light Division, so are one of the main focusses of these two volumes. They're written by fellow reenactors, although not from my unit. Begrudgingly, I'll admit, they do know their stuff!

So where to start with these books. The first book, as shown in the above picture, focusses on the period of 1808-1811 in the Iberian Peninsular, the second continues the story from 1811-1814 the first fall of Napoleon. Rather than taking a thematic meandering, they follow the events chronologically, meaning that the narrative (is that the right word for non fiction?) flows very well. The first chapter of volume 1 gives a short history of Light Infantry before the Peninsular War, of the formation of the 95th Rifles and other key regiments who would later become a part of the Light Division.

They draw on a vast array of first hand accounts, written by the soldiers of the Light Division, as well as the authors own research and experience. Both are experienced battlefield guides and former officers of the Rifles Regiment. It's refreshing to read a book written from this perspective than an academic viewpoint which can sometimes be a bit dry.

The books themselves are well set out, and at points where extra information could be given, there are small sections dedicated to topics that the book itself wouldn't necessarily cover. For example the narrative may mention the commissariat, something never mentioned before, and on the following page will be a separate section explaining what the commissariat was.

There is a huge amount written about the Peninsular War, however it is refreshing to see the narrative focus purely on the light division and it's experiences. The descriptions of the battles are given an extra dose of realism with the numbers of primary sources which are well woven into the narrative.

All in all, whilst the book may not be everybody's cup of tea. I did enjoy them. However I was slightly disappointed with the number of typos I encountered. I'm not usually one to find them, but in a subject where I do know a fair amount, some did stick out like a sore thumb. I only hope that in future prints of the book that these are picked up on and corrected. That way mine can become a collectors edition and could be worth a fortune! Ha!

The Light Division in the Peninsular War 1808-1811: 3cm

The Light Division in the Peninsular War 1811-1814: 3cm

Total Read - 10cm

183cm to go!

Yep, that's me, giving a talk at Apsley House! with the 95th Rifles!