BMMHS Village Hall Talk Report

The Peninsula War is probably a bit outside the BMMHS’ usual “comfort zone” of the 20th century and for many, myself definitely included, our knowledge doesn’t extend much beyond Bernard Cornwell’s Sharpe. But that all changed this evening when Tim expertly examined what he reluctantly described as the “elite” of Wellington’s army. Tracing the roots of light infantry through to the beginning of the 19th century where the British raised the Rifle Corps, noting how the troops benefited from such unfashionable ideas such as fitness training, shooting practice and tactical lectures!

 

He then traced the now Light Division through its actions in Portugal and then, under the command of the impressive Robert Craufurd, the campaign in Spain. Balancing the big picture of major battles such as Vimiero and Salamanca with nuggets like Rifleman Plunket’s shot and the details of light troops uniforms and kit Tim held our attention for over an hour without ever appearing to look at any notes and then dealt with a range of questions with the same authority. I hope we see Tim at Woodcote again.