The Autobiography of Sergeant Lawrence - A Hero of the Peninsular and Waterloo Campaigns [Illustrated Edition]

Book excerpt: Sergeant William Lawrence's account of his life is an interesting addition to the memoirs of the Napoleonic period, not for the style and grace of the prose, as Lawrence was not a highly educated man, although highly observant. What is often missing from other memoirs of the period is that mostly, they are written by the officers, and with some notable exceptions do not give a feel for the way of life for the ranker and the N.C.O.. This autobiography goes some way to fill the gap in the record. Such instances as rations, the occasional pig of dubious provenance, “cyder”, footsore marches lacking boots, and floggings are juxtaposed with the battles and skirmishes. Lawrence served in the 40th regiment of foot, in both the Peninsular war and the Waterloo campaign, ascending from private to Sergeant. Describing the storming of Badajoz, the battles of Vittoria and Waterloo in his turn he was rightly proud of his achievements and the Waterloo medal he wore, he died in his native Dorset in 1867 leaving a descendant to publish this book. Text taken from 1886 edition, full and complete, includes 10 additional maps to illuminate the text. 1 – The Battle of Vimiero, 21st August 1808 2- Explanatory Sketch of the Campaign in Portugal August 1808 3- Battle of Talavera, 28th July 1809 4 – Operations on the Mondego and the Battle of Busaco 5 – The Lines of Torres Vedras 6 – Battle of Albuera, 16th May 1811 7 – The Siege of Badajoz – 1812 – Vol. IV 8 – Battle of Vittoria and Operations leading up to it. – Vol. V 9 – Battle of Orthez and Soult’s retreat to Aire. – Vol. VI 10- Map of the Battle of Waterloo, 18th June 1815. Author – William Lawrence [1791-1867]