Spellmount have recently published CRAUFURD'S LIGHT DIVISION by Ian Fletcher, price £ 25. (Post free to NN&Q SUBSCRIBERS during January). General Craufurd was one of the most controversial officers in Wellington's army, with many enemies and critics. He was also one of the most experienced and professional soldiers available to the British Army in the Peninsula, a 'scientific' soldier. This book looks at his military career in India, Europe and Ireland, and his involvement in the expedition to South America, though this section of the book repeats much of what Mr. Fletcher published in his other excellent work; THE WATERS OF OBLIVION.

The bulk of this publication however, looks at Craufurd's command of the Light Brigade (later to become the famous Light Division), first during Moore's campaign in the Peninsula, and later under Wellington's command. During the former venture Craufurd's troop withdrew to Vigo, and it was upon this retreat that his severe code of discipline earned him the nickname of 'Black Bob'. Whatever names his troops called him, his attitude certainly prevented the Brigade from disintegrating into a rabble.

Many interesting black and white pictures, photographs of the scenes of many of the actions of the Light Division, and specially commissioned colour drawings of Light troops are used to illustrate Craufurd's career, until his death at Ciudad Rodrigo. The readable text and carefully chosen pictures have brought to life the story of a controversial officer and his undoubted success in forging an elite fighting formation. This was a book that I enjoyed reading. Highly recommended.

Spellmount publish a wide range of books of interest to the Napoleonic student. Later this year will see the publication of THE FRENCH ARE COMING! by Peter A. Lloyd. In the Spring of 1992

GENTLEMEN'S SONS by the prolific Ian Fletcher and Ron Poulter will look at the Guards in the Peninsula and at Waterloo, 1808- 1815. Also in preparation are some general titles that look very interesting; MILITARY BANDS by Lt. Col. G. Evans, and MILITARY MARCHING - A PICTORIAL HISTORY by James Cramer. Keep reading NN&Q to find out more.

WITH THE GUNS IN THE PENINSULA has just been published by Greenhill as part of their Napoleonic Library. It is the Peninsula War journal of Captain William Webber, Royal Artillery, and has been edited by Richard Henry Wollocombe. The price is £ 17.50

Webber joined Captain Maxwell's 9-pounder Brigade in August 1812, as Second Captain. Hisjournal covers the period from this date until June 16th 1813, and is a fascinating account of life on campaign in the Peninsula from an officer's viewpoint. The other ranks are seldom mentioned.

He describes long marches; dragging the guns over difficult terrain; the weather; and comments on the political and social scene, interspersed with snippets of news relating to the war. Being in the process of creating a 25mm Peninsula village I was particularly interested in the description of Spanish architecture, including buildings occupied by the French. His notes include diverse subjects such as paintings, music, theatre and the female inhabitants. The events were usually recorded on the day they happened and include first-hand descriptions of many minor actions of the campaign, with the involvement of specific regiments. If you enjoy war journals of the period, then this one is recommended reading.

More Dusty Archive

Proceedings of the Research Section Meeting
Books in Review
The 1805 Club
Odds and Ends