"The American Sharpe " Topic

"Sharpe and his adventures has made the 95th Foot renowned again and the discovery of an unpublished diary by an American from Charleston South Carolina who served, despite his father's objections, as an officer in this elite regiment has caused great excitement. James Penman Gairdner was born in Charleston, South Carolina, but he was sent back to the 'Old Country' for his education, receiving his schooling at Harrow. After school, rather than joining his father's merchant business he decided to become a soldier, receiving a commission in the famous 95th Rifles. He subsequently served, without a break, from the siege of Ciudad Rodrigo in January 1812 until the end of the war in 1814. He then fought in the Waterloo campaign and formed part of the Army of Occupation. He was wounded on three occasions. Throughout his service he kept a journal, which he managed to maintain on almost a daily basis. This journal, along with a number of letters that he wrote to his family, have been edited by renowned historian Gareth Glover and are presented here to the public for the first time. Readers will not find dramatic stories of great battles or adventurous escapades. Instead, Gairdner, details the everyday life of one of Wellington's soldiers; one of marches and billets, of the weather, the places and the people of the Iberian Peninsula and of Paris and Occupied France – the real nature of soldering. His diaries also highlight the very strange relationship between these newly independent Americans and the 'Old Country' they had so recently fought with; which even allowed for a true American boy to fight in the British Army, but not in America!"
See here
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Amicalement
Armand

Movie! Movie! Gotta be! I wanna see!

Gairdner's exploits are frequently mentioned in Mark Urban's "Wellington's Rifles".

Even more-so in Caldwell and Cooper's Rifle Green in the Peninsula volume three (there's also Rifle Green at Waterloo), which is part of a four volume series which knocks Urban's tome into a cocked hat.

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The picture on the front of the new book by Gareth Glover is a reproduction of a portrait of Gairdner, painted by Christa Hook which is reproduced in the excellent book 'Far in Advance' and is a full page illustration

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Paul :)

Zargon

I think that would depend on how true to the diary the film makers would be, if they did indeed make a movie. In film terms, the description of his book sounds pretty dull 'everyday life, marches and billets, no dramatic stories of great battles or adventurous escapades'.

It might interest us but I can't see it attracting film makers or a general audience? But I admit I am only going on the description of the book offered and it may well contain some exciting parts that would attract film makers. Drat, will probably have to buy the book to find out now!

Just spotted it on Amazon.uk. Not out until October, so it is now on my ever growing Amazon wish list. Thanks for that Tango01. LOL

Remember Gaz! Battle takes up but a fraction of a soldiers life and sometimes the mundane things in campaigning can be very much as informative and interesting.

Paul :)

dibble

Yes, to us, who perhaps like all things military. I love reading about the everyday affairs of those in history. The human aspect of everyday life often helps bring the period to life as it was then. But I doubt billets and marching will attract film makers or non-Napoleonic and non-military enthusiasts.

Anyway, as I say, the book is on my wish list and hopefully it will be interesting to see an American's viewpoint.

Glad you like it boys!. (smile)

Amicalement
Armand