Wellington’s Light Division in the Peninsular War
ROBRT BURNHAM
The Peninsular War was a long, drawn out conflict so when Arthur Wellesley arrived he faced a French contingent that was twice the size, better trained and armed. From this precarious position he played a game of skirmish, hit and run, while training his men.
During 1810 he also created the Light Division from a number of regiments, and that year is the focus here. It is festooned with quotes from the men’s diaries, of the battles and conditions they faced, as the future Duke of Wellington got to grips with the situation. It’s a hefty, accomplished work, full of period detail.