The Recollections of Rifleman Harris

Benjamin Harris was a young shepherd from Dorset who joined the army in 1802 and later joined the 95th Rifles. His battalion was ordered to Portugal, where he marched under the burning sun, weighed down by his kit and great-coat, and carried all the tools and leather he had to carry as the battalion's cobbler. Harris was a natural story-teller with a remarkable tale to unfold, and his Recollections have become one of the most popular military books of all time.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 18 August 2022
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

Benjamin Harris, a young shepherd from Dorset, enlisted in the army in 1802, eventually joining the 95th Rifles. His battalion was deployed to Portugal, where he endured scorching heat while carrying heavy equipment and serving as the battalion's cobbler, carrying a cumbersome lapstone that he jokingly offered to the Devil. Harris possessed a remarkable talent for storytelling, and his Recollections have become one of the most widely acclaimed military memoirs of all time.

In his vivid account, Harris vividly describes the narrow squeaks and terrible deprivations he and his fellow soldiers faced during the war in Spain and Portugal against Napoleon. His unwavering fortitude and resilience in the face of adversity are truly inspiring, and his story bristles with a freshness and invigorating spikiness that remains captivating to this day.

Harris's journey begins with his enlistment in the army at the tender age of 16. He was a young man of remarkable determination and courage, eager to serve his country and prove himself on the battlefield. His initial training was rigorous, and he quickly learned the skills necessary to survive in the harsh conditions of military life.

One of the most striking aspects of Harris's account is his description of the battles he fought. He describes the chaos and confusion of battle, the sound of gunfire, and the smell of blood. He also shares the fear and anxiety that his fellow soldiers felt, as they faced the imminent threat of death and injury.

Despite the hardships and dangers of war, Harris remained steadfast in his commitment to his fellow soldiers and his cause. He showed incredible bravery and selflessness in the face of danger, often putting himself in harm's way to protect his comrades. His actions were a testament to the strength of human spirit and the power of camaraderie.

In addition to his accounts of battle, Harris also provides a glimpse into the lives of the ordinary soldiers who fought in the war. He describes the hardships they faced, from lack of food and water to exposure to the elements and the constant threat of disease. He also shares the bonds that formed between soldiers, as they relied on each other for support and survival.

Despite the horrors of war, Harris's Recollections also showcase the resilience and determination of the Spanish and Portuguese people. He describes the courage and heroism of the Spanish resistance fighters, who fought against Napoleon's forces with unwavering determination. He also pays tribute to the Portuguese people, who faced similar challenges and hardships but remained steadfast in their support of their country.

Harris's Recollections have become one of the most popular military books of all time. His story has been adapted into films, plays, and television series, and his words continue to inspire generations of readers and viewers. His account of the war in Spain and Portugal against Napoleon is a testament to the human spirit's enduring strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, Benjamin Harris's Recollections is a remarkable account of the war in Spain and Portugal against Napoleon. His vivid descriptions of battle, the lives of ordinary soldiers, and the resilience of the Spanish and Portuguese people make his story a truly inspiring and captivating read. Harris's talent for storytelling and his commitment to his fellow soldiers and his cause have made his Recollections one of the most widely acclaimed military memoirs of all time.

Weight: 41g
Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474626316