Portsmouth Napoleonic Society

Napoleonic Newsdesk

by Paul Chamberlain

This society will shortly be publishing Wellington's Colonel: The Life of Sir Charles James Napier, written by their Chairman Colin Jones.

Sir Charles James Napier entered the British army by obtaining a commission in the 33rd Regiment when just twelve years old. He rose through the ranks in subsequent wars to become Commander-in-Chief of the forces in India during the 1840s. He was one of the most determined characters of the Napoleonic period. Whilst leading the 50th Foot at the Battle of Corunna, his career could have been abruptly terminated when he was captured and taken back to the French lines. Fortunately, the French commander knew of the Napier family and returned Charles safely back to British shores in exchange for some prisoners of equal stature.

Three of the Napier brothers served with distinction in the Peninsular War, the forth was a captain in the Royal Navy and the fifth became a Q.C. Charles' brother William went on to be a leading author and wrote the monumental History of the Peninsular War. Charles' own memoirs, which are the main source of this work, were also collated by William and published in 1857. Wellington's Colonel will be limited to 500 copies and priced at £7.95 paperback.

For more details of this book and the Portsmouth Napoleonic Society write to 64 Merrivale Road, Hilsea, Portsmouth, Hants, PO2 0TL.

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