Peninsular and Waterloo General: Sir Denis Pack and the War against Napoleon

Denis Pack was an Anglo-Irish officer who served with distinction in the British army during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars. Marcus de la Poer Beresford's biography provides a full account of his life and military career, which included service with the Portuguese army and Wellington. Pack's life was cut short by an early death in 1823, but his study offers an absorbing portrait of him and insight into the campaigns he took part in.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 01 April 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Denis Pack was a prominent figure among a cohort of senior Anglo-Irish officers who achieved remarkable distinction in the British army during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars. His reputation as one of the most capable brigade commanders under the Duke of Wellington solidified his place in military history. Despite his remarkable and diverse military career, Pack has not received the individual recognition he truly deserves. However, this oversight has been rectified by Marcus de la Poer Beresford's comprehensive biography, which sheds light on the life and achievements of this remarkable officer.

Born in 1774, Pack served extensively in Europe, Africa, and South America. He was among a select few brigade commanders who had the privilege of serving first with the Portuguese army and then under Wellington in various pivotal battles, including the Peninsula, Quatre Bras, Waterloo, and the subsequent occupation of France. His service extended across a span of thirty years, during which he endured numerous wounds. Unfortunately, his military career was tragically cut short by an early death in 1823.

This insightful and meticulously researched study draws upon previously unpublished material from archives in the United Kingdom, Portugal, and Ireland. It complements other works on notable officers of the period, including Cornwallis, Baird, Beresford, Whitelocke, Chatham, Picton, Henry Clinton, and Wellington. In addition, it provides an absorbing portrait of Pack himself, offering the reader a fascinating insight into the numerous campaigns he participated in and the military life of his era.

Pack's military career was marked by his exceptional leadership and strategic prowess. He was known for his ability to adapt to changing circumstances and his unwavering commitment to his troops. His service under Wellington in particular showcased his exceptional skills, as he played a crucial role in several key battles, including the Battle of Waterloo.

Despite his achievements, Pack has not received the widespread recognition he deserves. This biography aims to rectify that oversight and shed light on the life and legacy of Denis Pack, a military officer who truly deserves to be remembered as one of the greatest of his time.

Weight: 576g
Dimension: 241 x 164 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399083201