Adventures With the Connaught Rangers

by William Grattan

In the years 1809 to 1814, the first battalion of the Connaught Rangers were to lose 49 out of 103 officers killed or wounded and gain eleven battle honours whilst earning their nickname, µThe Devil's Own', as part of General Picton's 3rd Division. Modest, brave and with a keen sense of humour, Grattan's reminiscences form not only a graphic chronicle of such conflicts as Busaco, Ciudad Rodrigo, Badajoz and Salamanca, where the regiment repeatedly covered itself with glory, but also provides an unusually entertaining account of the Irish soldier in and out of battle, from information regarding pay, promotion, food, clothing, the author's views of Spain and the Spanish, and his thoughts on a variety of commanders. All this lifts his narrative to the front rank of Peninsular autobiographies. This is the first appearance of this classic book as a paperback.

Genres: History, Ireland, Military History

346 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Rob Markley · Rating 4 out of 5]

William Grattan writes a breezy account, but his humorous anecdotes fall into the category of 'you had to be there' rather than working in his retelling. He definitely contributes as far as understanding more about the reality of the fog of battle, yet he is rather too modest or unassuming about his own contribution or experiences despite being in the thick of it - including leading an assault on Fuentes de Oñoro village. For overall campaigns and reassembling history his contribution is less valuable.

Also of value are his opinions. It provides interesting perspective on the likes of Picton his Division commander and Wellington - of note complaints of the unfairness of the criticism of the disorders following the Burgos/Madrid retreat, he expresses surprising distain for Portuguese troops in general. The feel I get from this memoir, is that perhaps Wellington might have been onto something because there is no evidence of planning, preparation or proactivity as an officer of men, rather seeing his job to remain an aloof object of loyalty - little different from the colours or regimental pride.

Overall reading between the lines there is a great deal of value here if read in conjunction and comparison with the many other regimental officer memoirs.