Captain of the 95th (Rifles) an Officer of Wellington’s Sharpshooters During the Peninsular, South of France and Waterloo Campaigns of the Napoleonic Wars by Jonathan Leach

Overview Captain of the 95th (Rifles) presents a compelling first person perspective on one of the most celebrated regiments of the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars. Based on contemporary memoirs and letters, Jonathan Leach reconstructs the wartime experiences of an officer serving with Wellington’s famed sharpshooters. The book offers a rare and intimate view of life on campaign during a period that shaped modern European history. The Campaigns The narrative follows the officer through the harsh realities of the Peninsular War, the advance into southern France, and the climactic confrontation at Waterloo. From skirmishing and reconnaissance to full scale battles, the 95th Rifles operated at the sharp edge of the conflict, often ahead of the main army. Leach captures the daily challenges of campaigning, including fatigue, discipline, camaraderie, and the constant presence of danger. The account brings to life both the chaos of combat and the quieter moments between engagements, revealing the human cost of prolonged warfare. Key Ideas Light infantry tactics and sharpshooting Leadership and discipline in wartime Soldiering during the Napoleonic era Campaign life in Spain, France, and Belgium Courage, endurance, and survival About the Author Jonathan Leach is a historian and writer with a particular interest in British military history. His work focuses on presenting historical experiences through authentic voices, allowing readers to engage directly with the lived realities of past conflicts. In Captain of the 95th, he combines careful scholarship with accessible storytelling. Why You’ll Love This Book This book is ideal for readers who enjoy detailed military history grounded in personal experience. Its first hand perspective offers immediacy and realism, while its historical context provides valuable insight into one of Britain’s most renowned regiments. For enthusiasts of Napoleonic history, Wellington’s campaigns, or the 95th Rifles, this volume delivers both depth and authenticity. Keywords Captain of the 95th Jonathan Leach, 95th Rifles Napoleonic Wars, Wellington sharpshooters history, Peninsular War memoir, Waterloo campaign account, British light infantry history Publishers Synopsis Jonathan Leach saw some of the heaviest fighting of Napoleonic Wars. Serving under Wellington with the 95th Rifles Leach saw action in Denmark, Portugal, Spain, France and Belgium. Leachs memoir of his years of service provides fascinating insight into life serving on the frontlines across Europe as Wellington and his men attempted to end Napoleons domination of the continent. Through the course of the memoir Leach gives in depth analysis of various battles that he served in, including Roleia, Vimeira, Barba Del Puerco, the Coa, Buzaco, Sabugal, Fuentes DOnoro, Ciudad Rodrigo, Badajoz, Salamanca, Vittoria, Nivelle, Toulouse, Quatre Bras, and of course Waterloo. Yet he also gives insight into what life was like as a soldier away from the heat of battle whilst serving in the Napoleonic Wars, how they entertained themselves, how they trained, and how the local populations viewed them. Jonathan Leachs Captain of the 95th (Rifles) an Officer of Wellington’s Sharpshooters During the Peninsular, South of France and Waterloo Campaigns of the Napoleonic Wars is essential reading for any student of the Napoleonic era. No other memoir of this period provides such brilliant insight into the life of a fighting man serving under Wellington. Jonathan Leach was captain of 1st Battalion in the 95th Rifles during the Napoleonic Wars. His book Captain of the 95th (Rifles) was first published in 1831 and Leach passed away in 1855.