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105th Foot, The Prince of Wales Wessex Regiment #1
Worth Their Colours
A novel set in the early years of the Napoleonic Wars, using the actual events as they happened. The year is 1805 and Nelson has robbed the French of their way across The Channel, but Napoleon’s Grande Armee’ remains a potent threat. Faced with this, the Secretary of State for War gathered all possible forces to resist invasion. This included sweeping up into Detachment Battalions the surviving soldiers of various minor disasters and combining them together with a very much less than re-assuring mixture of recruits. This is the story of one such Battalion, a collection of veterans, social outcasts, untried Militia, volunteers, criminals and poachers who march and train together until the desperate British military deem them fit to be part of General Stuart’s army that invades Calabria to support one the few allies Britain has, the King of Naples. There they confront a veteran French army on the plains of Maida for the first set piece confrontation between the armies of Great Britain and Napoleon’s all-conquering forces. At the campaign’s end, as a Detachment Battalion, usually considered as inherently inferior, they could be broken up and sent to reinforce under strength, well established, Regiments. Or, perhaps, by their own deeds and prowess, they deserve to be recognised as a numbered Regiment, and be““Worth Their Colours.”
742 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 10, 2022
McDowell gives us an excellent account of a detachment battalion rising to prominence through its involvement in brutal combat and a harsh campaign. The nature of the battalion allows for a broad range of characters which allows McDowell to explore the impact of early 1800s warfare on the full striata of military society.
I did struggle with the overall writing, as the book suffers from poor editing. Repeated descriptive words, incongruent conjunctions and occasional lapses in punctuation are apparent. McDowell’s historical knowledge is evident throughout the book and did not need to be highlighted in quotation marks to impress the reader. It is impressive enough.
That said, the above is worth piling through for the solid storylines, great historical accuracy and frankly superb depictions of combat (up there with Cornwell, I have to say). A great addition to the fictions around the Napoleonic wars.
I did struggle with the overall writing, as the book suffers from poor editing. Repeated descriptive words, incongruent conjunctions and occasional lapses in punctuation are apparent. McDowell’s historical knowledge is evident throughout the book and did not need to be highlighted in quotation marks to impress the reader. It is impressive enough.
That said, the above is worth piling through for the solid storylines, great historical accuracy and frankly superb depictions of combat (up there with Cornwell, I have to say). A great addition to the fictions around the Napoleonic wars.
January 24, 2019
An excellent read, with the best intro to major characters that I've ever read. WtC is a very [very] long book which follows the 105th foot from basic training to battle and beyond. Nicely written as well.
January 28, 2026
Fun and entertaining galivant.
I really enjoyed the multi POV aspect of the book. Great intro to various characters lives and their respective section of society and class. Battles are done wonderfully and the entire book is well paced. Any lover of 18th-19th century history will greatly love this. Any Napoleonic history nerds (such as myself) will feel right at home.
Not a 5 star due to numerous typos, and errors. As well, it isn't breaking new literary ground, but solid entertainment.
I really enjoyed the multi POV aspect of the book. Great intro to various characters lives and their respective section of society and class. Battles are done wonderfully and the entire book is well paced. Any lover of 18th-19th century history will greatly love this. Any Napoleonic history nerds (such as myself) will feel right at home.
Not a 5 star due to numerous typos, and errors. As well, it isn't breaking new literary ground, but solid entertainment.
April 25, 2024
Having read the Richard Sharpe series and the Aubrey &Maturin novels I am pleased to have found this series of books.
Don’t let the fact that they are relatively unknown and available on kindle unlimited put you off, this is not some low quality novel that has been punched out on a whim. It is detailed, well researched and most importantly a thoroughly enjoyable read.
The first third of this novel is perhaps my favourite part. This portion of the book takes place entirely in England and introduces the characters of the regiment and their families. I think this is one of the best cast of characters I’ve come across in historical fiction. I’d argue the depth of the characters and their families is far superior to that of the Richard Sharpe series of books. You really get a feeling for the characters and actually care for them, which makes you want to read on and on.
As the novel moves forwards the regiment is sent to Italy and the action begins to pick up. It is detailed and well written.
All in all I was very impressed with this novel and can’t wait to read the rest of the series which happily is available on kindle unlimited 😊
Don’t let the fact that they are relatively unknown and available on kindle unlimited put you off, this is not some low quality novel that has been punched out on a whim. It is detailed, well researched and most importantly a thoroughly enjoyable read.
The first third of this novel is perhaps my favourite part. This portion of the book takes place entirely in England and introduces the characters of the regiment and their families. I think this is one of the best cast of characters I’ve come across in historical fiction. I’d argue the depth of the characters and their families is far superior to that of the Richard Sharpe series of books. You really get a feeling for the characters and actually care for them, which makes you want to read on and on.
As the novel moves forwards the regiment is sent to Italy and the action begins to pick up. It is detailed and well written.
All in all I was very impressed with this novel and can’t wait to read the rest of the series which happily is available on kindle unlimited 😊
February 6, 2024
Promising start to a series; for those that loved the Sharpe series, a good alternative
What I like most about this book was it told the story from multiple points of view, from those of scared quartermasters, heroically inclined officers, and resigned but doughty private soldiers. Added bonus was coverage of the relatively less covered Sicilian campaign in the mid Napoleonic wars. (Now I understand the derivation of the London suburb called Maida Vale"
I would also say this is a far more "fighting forward" book than many of its genre, with the protagonists involved in a wide range of actions from surprise skirmishes to full on siege warfare. But one still gets a peak of the social aspects of soldiering, especially interns of the family lives of the private soldiers.
The window into the suffocating nature of the emergent focus on class differences and superiority is nicely, but not overbearingly, explored - with some quiet exceptions (Col Lacey and Major O'Hare) for whom courtesy, respect and care trump every thing else.
What I like most about this book was it told the story from multiple points of view, from those of scared quartermasters, heroically inclined officers, and resigned but doughty private soldiers. Added bonus was coverage of the relatively less covered Sicilian campaign in the mid Napoleonic wars. (Now I understand the derivation of the London suburb called Maida Vale"
I would also say this is a far more "fighting forward" book than many of its genre, with the protagonists involved in a wide range of actions from surprise skirmishes to full on siege warfare. But one still gets a peak of the social aspects of soldiering, especially interns of the family lives of the private soldiers.
The window into the suffocating nature of the emergent focus on class differences and superiority is nicely, but not overbearingly, explored - with some quiet exceptions (Col Lacey and Major O'Hare) for whom courtesy, respect and care trump every thing else.
January 20, 2022
Excellent adventure
McDowell has captured the feel of the time and has opened this series with a rousing tale of how a mismatched and ill assorted group of criminals, militiamen and veterans became a united and formidable fighting regiment. It compares favorably with the Sharpe series. In fact I prefer Carr to Sharpe. I am eager to begin the second book.
While the book would benefit from a proofreader, the errors are minor.
McDowell has captured the feel of the time and has opened this series with a rousing tale of how a mismatched and ill assorted group of criminals, militiamen and veterans became a united and formidable fighting regiment. It compares favorably with the Sharpe series. In fact I prefer Carr to Sharpe. I am eager to begin the second book.
While the book would benefit from a proofreader, the errors are minor.
January 31, 2022
fantastic read
I have read hundred of novels of the Napoleonic Wars & can honestly say have never enjoyed a book more . The depth of the characters and the authors skill in exploring aspects of the common soldiers life’s as well as the detailed research of the military structure and tactics of the period should be given due credit . All credit to the author a master of the narrative on par with Bernard Cornwall !!!
I have read hundred of novels of the Napoleonic Wars & can honestly say have never enjoyed a book more . The depth of the characters and the authors skill in exploring aspects of the common soldiers life’s as well as the detailed research of the military structure and tactics of the period should be given due credit . All credit to the author a master of the narrative on par with Bernard Cornwall !!!
May 3, 2018
Good, but could have been Better
I found the author's style to be very good: fluid, informative, and entertaining. However, there were far too many typos to give it the full measure it might have deserved. While I am anxious to read about the next chapter of The 105th, I do hope the author will employ a better proofreader in his future endeavors. Still and all, Well Done!!
I found the author's style to be very good: fluid, informative, and entertaining. However, there were far too many typos to give it the full measure it might have deserved. While I am anxious to read about the next chapter of The 105th, I do hope the author will employ a better proofreader in his future endeavors. Still and all, Well Done!!
September 22, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyable. Written in excellent story-telling prose. Every so often you get a book that captures the moment, whether it be detailed description of battles, or simple story telling. I smiled at many places and even a tear or two along the way. Rich characters and satisfactory, pleasing conclusions to story lines.
July 22, 2018
Horsepower of the infantry
Good character development , a touch slow the prisoner subplot to start which picked up nicely. Each author has their own pacing , and I rapidly accustomed to a interesting historic tale. Good enough to read the next campaign.
Good character development , a touch slow the prisoner subplot to start which picked up nicely. Each author has their own pacing , and I rapidly accustomed to a interesting historic tale. Good enough to read the next campaign.
February 25, 2019
Good Read
Had read two of Bernard Cornwells books and saw this as a free read on kindle, couldn't put it down the best free read ever and I hope the start of rollicking series of adventures
Had read two of Bernard Cornwells books and saw this as a free read on kindle, couldn't put it down the best free read ever and I hope the start of rollicking series of adventures
May 15, 2018
Another country, another war
A interesting military story in another time. Well written with good characterization, involving a class status that is unknown in America.
A interesting military story in another time. Well written with good characterization, involving a class status that is unknown in America.
September 11, 2018
excellent. Very good value, took more time to read than many others of higher price. kept me enthralled and Iv bought the next in series
November 24, 2018
Great book
First class read with a great story line to start off the Peninsular wars series. However, very sloppy proof reading with mistakes littering the book
First class read with a great story line to start off the Peninsular wars series. However, very sloppy proof reading with mistakes littering the book
November 1, 2019
Wonderful read.
This bloke can drive a pen and that’s no bullshit. He will lead you on a bloody good fight through Italy. Excellent.
This bloke can drive a pen and that’s no bullshit. He will lead you on a bloody good fight through Italy. Excellent.
September 26, 2023
Great story. Plenty of character development and action.
June 19, 2017
Stunningly good read for an author I have never heard of and which I knew more about. Almost seems to be a pen name based on the lack of details on him and any prior works.
March 15, 2017
Great characters
Thoroughly enjoyed the tale. Some quite graphic passages. Clocks a snoop at some society buffoons. Proof readers need to take more care, a few errors! They didn't spoil the story.
Thoroughly enjoyed the tale. Some quite graphic passages. Clocks a snoop at some society buffoons. Proof readers need to take more care, a few errors! They didn't spoil the story.
September 3, 2015
The author gives both an insightful look into military life and an exciting and captivating read that will drag you right into the sequel Close To The Colours. Like so many books that are a great read it was almost sad that the book ends but with such an open ending you know there must be more. Will there be / is there a third book in the series, I'm sure hoping there is just to know that our hopes for both good and evil characters is finally realized. Thoroughly recommended to those that love both military history and Victorian romance.
March 25, 2016
Very good book
If you are a fan of Bernard Cornwell's "Richard Sharpe's series", then you will like this book. The book follows the British 5th Provisional Regiment from it's beginning through it's campaign against the French in Italy during the first part of the 1800s. McDowell's characters range from criminals pressed into service to Officers that want to be in regular regiments, but don't have a choice in their posting. Will the regiment prove it's worth in the campaign and be turned into a regular regiment and awarded it's Colours?
If you are a fan of Bernard Cornwell's "Richard Sharpe's series", then you will like this book. The book follows the British 5th Provisional Regiment from it's beginning through it's campaign against the French in Italy during the first part of the 1800s. McDowell's characters range from criminals pressed into service to Officers that want to be in regular regiments, but don't have a choice in their posting. Will the regiment prove it's worth in the campaign and be turned into a regular regiment and awarded it's Colours?
March 14, 2016
Loved it
Very engaging and exciting. I like the details of how the early 19th century fighting was conducted. The characters are well developed and the reader gets insight to the enlisted and commissioned perspectives both in garrison and on campaign.
Very engaging and exciting. I like the details of how the early 19th century fighting was conducted. The characters are well developed and the reader gets insight to the enlisted and commissioned perspectives both in garrison and on campaign.
January 17, 2017
History brought to life
An excellent piece of fiction, engaging characters and story line.
A few inaccuracies, but forgivable within the flow of the story.
In all thoroughly enjoyable.
An excellent piece of fiction, engaging characters and story line.
A few inaccuracies, but forgivable within the flow of the story.
In all thoroughly enjoyable.
August 17, 2016
Primo HistoricalFiction
Excellent plot...very good characterization....superb socio-cultural research.....combined to present a very good read as well as a first book in a series..!
Excellent plot...very good characterization....superb socio-cultural research.....combined to present a very good read as well as a first book in a series..!
September 29, 2020
Excellent read
Excellent story, great characters enjoyed it very much. It gave a better insight to the way things were back then. Looking forward to book two.
Excellent story, great characters enjoyed it very much. It gave a better insight to the way things were back then. Looking forward to book two.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews