Leo T. reviewed on 11/30/2016 + 1775 more book reviews

A change of pace in this series, taking place just after the battle of Vitoria that ended the previous volume in the series. Mr. Sharpe is temporarily commanding the South Essex but the battalion is greatly under strength, given the butcher's bill from so many fights. While they are holding down the fort (actually port of Pasajes) at the new location for the British to receive supplies in northern Spain, Mr. Sharpe and three soldiers of his choice will return to England to enlist recruits, hopefully starting with any available at Chelmsford, the battalion headquarters.
I myself of course knew of the 'press' to obtain sailors for the Royal Navy, but never thought of how the army's files were filled late in George III's reign. 'Crimping' on the Coast is usually used with obtaining sailors in SF and other ports for long voyages on dubious ships, as described in Howard Pease's books.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details