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Captain of the 95th (Rifles) an Officer of Wellington's Sharpshooters During the Peninsular, South of France and Waterloo Campaigns of the Napoleonic Wars
Jonathan Leach saw some of the heaviest fighting of Napoleonic Wars.
Serving under Wellington with the 95th Rifles Leach saw action in Denmark, Portugal, Spain, France and Belgium.
Leach’s memoir of his years of service provides fascinating insight into life serving on the frontlines across Europe as Wellington and his men attempted to end Napoleon’s domination of the continent.
Through the course of the memoir Leach gives in depth analysis of various battles that he served in, including Roleia, Vimeira, Barba Del Puerco, the Coa, Buzaco, Sabugal, Fuentes D’Onoro, Ciudad Rodrigo, Badajoz, Salamanca, Vittoria, Nivelle, Toulouse, Quatre Bras, and of course Waterloo.
Yet he also gives insight into what life was like as a soldier away from the heat of battle whilst serving in the Napoleonic Wars, how they entertained themselves, how they trained, and how the local populations viewed them.
Jonathan Leach’s Captain of the 95th (Rifles) an Officer of Wellington's Sharpshooters During the Peninsular, South of France and Waterloo Campaigns of the Napoleonic Wars is essential reading for any student of the Napoleonic era. No other memoir of this period provides such brilliant insight into the life of a fighting man serving under Wellington.
Jonathan Leach was captain of 1st Battalion in the 95th Rifles during the Napoleonic Wars. His book Captain of the 95th (Rifles) was first published in 1831 and Leach passed away in 1855.
Serving under Wellington with the 95th Rifles Leach saw action in Denmark, Portugal, Spain, France and Belgium.
Leach’s memoir of his years of service provides fascinating insight into life serving on the frontlines across Europe as Wellington and his men attempted to end Napoleon’s domination of the continent.
Through the course of the memoir Leach gives in depth analysis of various battles that he served in, including Roleia, Vimeira, Barba Del Puerco, the Coa, Buzaco, Sabugal, Fuentes D’Onoro, Ciudad Rodrigo, Badajoz, Salamanca, Vittoria, Nivelle, Toulouse, Quatre Bras, and of course Waterloo.
Yet he also gives insight into what life was like as a soldier away from the heat of battle whilst serving in the Napoleonic Wars, how they entertained themselves, how they trained, and how the local populations viewed them.
Jonathan Leach’s Captain of the 95th (Rifles) an Officer of Wellington's Sharpshooters During the Peninsular, South of France and Waterloo Campaigns of the Napoleonic Wars is essential reading for any student of the Napoleonic era. No other memoir of this period provides such brilliant insight into the life of a fighting man serving under Wellington.
Jonathan Leach was captain of 1st Battalion in the 95th Rifles during the Napoleonic Wars. His book Captain of the 95th (Rifles) was first published in 1831 and Leach passed away in 1855.
214 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 12, 2024
I will miss Captain Jonathan Leach, with whom I have spent fifteen or so minutes a night for over a month, perhaps longer, reading his memoirs of 21 years in the 95th. He comes across as a thoroughly decent man, ethical, thoughtful, modest, honorable. From a lieutenant sent to Antigua--one of a small percentage who did not die of fever--in the early 1800's (France and England and even Spain tussling over who would get what in the Caribbean) to Waterloo and beyond, duty in Scotland and Ireland (which he implies was a bore and not to his taste). Probably the most remarkable thing about Leach is that he did not die. He was in all the significant battles, and, once a Captain, generally leading a company and sometimes, when the commanding officers of the battalion of which he was part died, he would command. Not promoted beyond his abilities, a rare thing, and one wonders at that given his lasting power, however, what does come through is that Leach did not want responsibility, he wanted to be there on the ground in the thick of things. When not in battle he was also one of the few who was up and about early, found ways to enjoy himself--hunting, racing, dancing, playing various games--he simply, if that is possible, loved the life, both the thrilling and the boring parts, loathed slavery, loved scenic beauty, was interested in seeing the sights wherever he was, cared for his men. The very last line intrigues -- that all his closest friends died in Antigua. He was young then, and perhaps after that, he did not fear death so much and appreciated life to the fullest. The writing is very matter-of-fact and straight up, sometimes funny, sometimes sad, the work is balanced increasing one's faith in his accounts. Only for those truly interested in the period, and in particular the Peninsular Wars. ****
August 28, 2026
Rounded up from 3.5. The 95th Rifles have become quite famous because of the Sharpe series, but this book deal with a real member of that elite group who were known for their prowess with a rifle. Lest you think the whole book deals with fighting, Captain Leach also includes some amusing stories about their 'extracurricular' activities in the Peninsula. They also did quite a bit of 'sightseeing' in the cities where they were stationed nearby. But it is the numerous battles that are of main interest. From 1808-1814 the 95th served with distinction in the famous Light Division. Their service helped Wellington's army and their allies to force the French out of the Peninsula. They also eventually fought in the Waterloo campaign.
This is a book about a real soldier who served in one of the the toughest theatres of war, and survived with a sense of humor.
This is a book about a real soldier who served in one of the the toughest theatres of war, and survived with a sense of humor.
January 3, 2021
How fantastic to read a genuine voice from the past who was actually there. Leach’s voice is so engaging and the stories he tells immerse you in the life of the Peninsula war troops. In particular, his tales of how soldiers and officers amused themselves during the ‘down-times’ add such colour to our understanding of the wars.
My only disappointment is that Leach too often glosses over aspects of description or detail, usually citing his own perceived lack of ability or the fact that some incidents have already been overly covered by other writers. Whilst this may have been the case at the time of writing, in hindsight I would love more description and detail from him.
A wonderful, must-read for anyone with an interest in the Napoleonic wars and the lead up to Waterloo.
My only disappointment is that Leach too often glosses over aspects of description or detail, usually citing his own perceived lack of ability or the fact that some incidents have already been overly covered by other writers. Whilst this may have been the case at the time of writing, in hindsight I would love more description and detail from him.
A wonderful, must-read for anyone with an interest in the Napoleonic wars and the lead up to Waterloo.
April 24, 2021
Peninsular war re-lived
As an avid reader of Bernard Cornwell’s Sharp novels following him through his journey through the peninsula campaigns this was a different insight into the sometimes horrific conditions that these soldiers had to contain with. Continual movement of large numbers of troops from different nations back and forth is indeed remarkable along with the extreme loss of life in both rank an file and officers is staggering. A great read for a different view of a subject already we’ll covered.
As an avid reader of Bernard Cornwell’s Sharp novels following him through his journey through the peninsula campaigns this was a different insight into the sometimes horrific conditions that these soldiers had to contain with. Continual movement of large numbers of troops from different nations back and forth is indeed remarkable along with the extreme loss of life in both rank an file and officers is staggering. A great read for a different view of a subject already we’ll covered.
August 3, 2020
Outstanding
Nice to know the truth of the full campaign, liked the honesty, the diversity of what the campaign consisted of. With such deprevastion how was desertion kept to a low level. You are a better man than I "British soldiers".
Nice to know the truth of the full campaign, liked the honesty, the diversity of what the campaign consisted of. With such deprevastion how was desertion kept to a low level. You are a better man than I "British soldiers".
December 19, 2020
Good personal history of the Peninsula war and Waterloo
This is a very insightful history of both war and a social history of the period. Let down only by some poor proof reading.suitable for all who enjoyed the Richard Sharpe series of books.
This is a very insightful history of both war and a social history of the period. Let down only by some poor proof reading.suitable for all who enjoyed the Richard Sharpe series of books.
April 13, 2022
95th Rifles
I have always been interested in the history of the British Army.
And found this book of great interest starting with the author beginning his army career. If anyone is interested in the peninsula wars then this book is well worth the reading.
I have always been interested in the history of the British Army.
And found this book of great interest starting with the author beginning his army career. If anyone is interested in the peninsula wars then this book is well worth the reading.
September 22, 2017
Excellent memoir. I think this is identical to the previous published title 'Rough Sketches of the Life of an Old Soldier'
June 30, 2020
An excellent description of the peninsula war in detail.
I was interested in how the rifles performed in that war right up to Waterloo. A true soldiers story. Well written.
I was interested in how the rifles performed in that war right up to Waterloo. A true soldiers story. Well written.
July 22, 2020
A little drawn out
Too much brigade detail. More info on the daily life would have been a blessing. Enjoyed the book as it was
Too much brigade detail. More info on the daily life would have been a blessing. Enjoyed the book as it was
December 23, 2021
Real history
This was amazing to read a first hand account of 95 Regiment from its or formation to battle of Waterloo. J Hall
This was amazing to read a first hand account of 95 Regiment from its or formation to battle of Waterloo. J Hall
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews