ENSIGN BELL IN THE PENINSULAR WAR - THE EXPERIENCES OF A YOUNG BRITISH SOLDIER WITH THE 34TH REGIMENT 'THE CUMBERLAND GENTLEMEN' IN THE NAPOLEONIC WARS. This book is one of the least known accounts of life on the battlefield and on campaign during the Peninsular War. If its obscurity was in some way a reflection of its quality this might be understandable; but George Bell's account is so well written it surely deserves to be among the best known and most highly regarded Napoleonic period memoirs. Written with youthful enthusiasm and humour; Bell takes us to war against the French in the company of his irrepressible Irish soldiers; Biddy Skiddy the camp follower and the wildly eccentric Maurice Quill; the surgeon. Packed full of dialogue and incident this is a highly entertaining narrative and invaluable Napoleonic memoir.
#1698286 in Books Osprey 2003-05-20 2003-05-20Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.70 x 2.16 x 7.23l; .37 #File Name: 184176499X48 pagesReference Book
Review
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Two StarsBy skipHelped me understand workings of artillery pieces and accompanying vehicals0 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy William Hazlettnice book15 of 20 people found the following review helpful. THE book on Austrian Artillery of the Napoleonic Era.By Steven H. SmithToday I received my copy of Dave Hollin's book on Austrian Artillery. I am very pleased with the product. The text is straight forward. A great amount of useful technical material is provided; mostly in table form. Mr. Hollins provides a text that easily flows from one topic to the next.The illustrations selected are great - much of the material has never been seen before in print. These illustrations alone would make this booklet a 'must have' selection.Several picayune criticisms:1) The table at the bottom of page 15: the right hand column should be cm/Zoll. As this is the length of the Taube; or casable as it is called in English. The measurement is from the rear of the basering to the furthermost end of the casable.2) The cannon ball; illustrated on page 34: The damage was more likely caused by water and chemical damage while in the ground; than the causes listed. It would be nice to know the story of this particular cannon ball.Several items of great interest:1) Page 12; top: This illustration; from 1760 or earlier; clearly shows the 'bricole' in use by Austria.2) Page 19: Excellent photographs of the Kavallerie carriage and tube (its sole distinction; the 'chiseled off' Taube (or casable)). A very rare illustration of the Kavallerie howitzer.3) Pages 22 and 23: Illustrations of the fortress and siege pieces.4) Good drawings of the Field forges (2 and 4 wheeled).Again; this is an excellent work - It clearly shows the effort and time spent by Dave and his colleagues to get it right. Thanks; Dave; for your great efforts.Steve
