1. True Soldier Gentlemen
Spain and Portugal, 1808. The newly formed 106th Foot enters the Peninsular War with officers whose expectations of service owe more to ambition, poverty or social display than experience. William Hanley, Hamish Williams, Billy Pringle and George Wickham all expect war to change their fortunes. The…
2. Beat the Drums Slowly
Northern Spain, winter 1808–1809. Sir John Moore’s army retreats towards Corunna through snow, hunger and pursuit by French forces. The men of the 106th Foot are reduced to survival as the campaign threatens to become a disaster. Hamish Williams is separated from the regiment and must…
3. Send Me Safely Back Again
Spain, 1809. The British army returns to the Peninsula after Corunna and attempts to rebuild confidence alongside Spanish allies. The 106th Foot is drawn into the battles of Medellín and Talavera, where enthusiasm for the cause cannot compensate for poor coordination and heavy losses. William Hanley…
4. All in Scarlet Uniform
Spain, 1809–1810. Captain Billy Pringle leaves Britain after a duel and joins Hamish Williams in work with Spanish troops. What first appears to be a useful posting away from scandal soon places them inside one of the key fortress struggles of the Peninsular War. As French…
5. Run Them Ashore
Spain, 1810. French armies dominate much of the peninsula while Britain and its allies cling to Cádiz with the help of the Royal Navy. Lieutenant Hamish Williams is drawn into operations with Spanish partisans behind French lines. Guerrilla warfare exposes Williams to betrayal, reprisal and the…
6. Whose Business Is to Die
Iberia, 1811. Wellington’s army has pushed the French back from Portugal, but the British and their allies must move onto the offensive before the enemy regroups. Hamish Williams sees the campaign as a chance to restore his honour and earn promotion. The fighting leads to Albuera,…