Book Review

The Eagle

Reviewed by Ed Parker

By Gerald Lowthin

This book in many ways is perhaps a bit of a rarity. Sandwiched somewhere between the breathless fiction brilliantly epitomised by Bernard Cornwell and the more sedate and deeply researched non-fiction epics that are a must for every serious "Student" of the era.

It tells the story of the capture of the Eagle by the Royal Dragoons from the 105th Regiment De Ligne at Waterloo, one of only 2 taken at the battle. Although there has never been any doubt of the authenticity of the Dragoons claim there has, from that day to this, been a long running dispute as to who actually seized the prize.

Gerald Lowthin uses the historical facts as the basis for his book but weaves a story that, with some success, manages to bring to life the characters of the period. Particularly the two principal claimants Captain Clark and Corporal Stiles. Where fact is in doubt his fiction is well researched and credible and helps to pull an exciting and believable story together. He also does not fudge the issue and puts into the story, where doubt persists, his own conclusions as to what he believes happened.

If I have any real criticism it is perhaps that Mr. Lowthin appears at times to be a master of the understatement. The manner in which he lightly dismisses the discomforts and boredom of endless campaigning in the Peninsular makes one wonder if this man ever really sat on a horse. But I know he did. Perhaps like many an old soldier, "It's all in a day's work". But then he is in a hurry to get to the important part of the story.

At times I also found his background of English Country life in the 19th century a little drawn-out as he establishes the background of the principal protagonists. But perhaps I, in turn was in too much of a hurry to get to the crux of the story. Mr Lowthin wrote this book, his first novel I understand, some 40 years after his service with the Royal Dragoons, before they merged in 1969 with the Royal Horse guards to become the Blues and Royals. But time has obviously not dimmed affection for his old unit.

If you like your fiction heavily laced with fact then you'll enjoy this book. As I said earlier it is in some ways a bit of a rarity being based on a cavalry regiment, but if you're not a horse person don't let this deter you - it's a good read and gives you a good impression of a trooper's life at the time.

As a parting thought it is interesting to note that the much maligned British cavalry in the shape of the Royal Dragoons and the Scots Greys, were responsible for taking the only two eagles captured at Waterloo. But that's just a cavalryman digressing.

The Eagle is published by Minerva Press and at only £ 6.99 provides excellent value for this well presented A5 sized paperback.

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