National Army Museum Book of Wellington's Armies Book

What was it really like to fight at the Battle of Waterloo? Drawing on letters and diaries from ordinary soldiers, officers and commanders this book mixes riveting battle descriptions with stories of endurance and bravery to bring Wellington's epic campaigns to life. The years between 1808 and 1815 transformed Sir Arthur Wellesley from a junior lieutenant-general into Field Marshal the Duke of Wellington, a legendary figure to his men and a commander renowned throughout Europe. With his magnificent army, Wellington defeated the French occupation forces in a succession of brilliant campaigns, defending Portugal, liberating Spain and finally invading south-western France. His victory at Waterloo is probably the British army's most famous battle. Weaving together unpublished accounts from the National Army Museum's remarkable archives, this book recreates life in the British army under one of its greatest leaders.