1777
23 June:
Richard Sharpe is born in Howick Place, London, to an alcoholic prostitute.
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1780
Lizzie Sharpe dies in the Gordon riots. Sharpe is placed in a workhouse where he picks oakum and washes laundry.
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1789
Sharpe is sold to a sweep. He runs away and begins his life as a thief.
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1793
Sharpe kills a man and runs to Yorkshire, where he takes the King's shilling.
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1794
Sharpe is recruited by Obidiah Hakeswill into the 33rd.
June:
33rd Regiment at Cork in Ireland
June 26:
Arrived Ostend in Belgium minus the Light and Grenadier Companies which had been
detached for service in the West Indies.
Main force under Lord Moira had arrived five days earlier and had marched of towards Ghent. 33rd, 44th and some light dragoons and a battery of artillery were dangerously isolated.
June 30/July 1, Night:
Withdrew onto ships and sailed for Antwerp. Duke of York's army was in retreat.
September 15:
Boxtel. 33rd see their first fighting as a reserve force -They checked a French Cav pursuit by Volley fire (companies firing in unison under officers command). Commended for their steadiness by Duke of York.
33rd deployed in defensive positionsalong the North bank of the Waal river. Wellesley recalled briefly.
December:
Harsh winter, army starving because the commissariat had collapsed. Troops stealing from local inhabitants. Officers too lazy or indifferent to control them (whole army not just 33rd.)
Waal was frozen and French crossed.in final week of December. Some resistance but Brit lines fractured and troops pulled back to Ems river.
Mid December:
33rd was on continual standby to repel sallies across the frozen Waal.
Dec 27th:
33rd and other Bats of Brig. Gen. Sir William Cathcarts brigade saw fighting around Tiel and Wadanburg.
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1795
January 4th:
Five Companies of 33rd were among the pickets taken unaware by French sortie against an outpost at Meteren. They fell back two miles to Geldermaisen and joined the rest of their Regiment plus Black watch,78th Highlanders and two Howitzers. French retired.
Febuary, first week:
33rd attached to Maj. Gen. Fox’s divisionand billeted at Coevordon. General described it as ‘forlorn and unprovided situation’ and dangerously exposed. Soil frozen so deep that no trenches could be dug or ramparts built. French were close and this rearguard was withdrawn.
Febuary 17th approx.:
33rd in Aschendorf on banks of Emms. Village flooding, but men had bread and forage.
March:
33rd were home- no details.
(Figures: 1st August 1794 mustered 985 men of whom 113 were sick. October 849 men. January 799 men. Losses In action were slight: 1 killed and 11 wounded at Geldermaisen. Bulk of casualties were the result of sickness and unhealed wounds.)
Autumn:
33rd ordered to join reinforcements in West Indies. being mustered at Southhampton.
Sailed out of Porstmouth (mid?) November but hit bad storms and were blown back after seven weeks at sea. 33rd wintered in Poole.
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1796
April:
33rd sent ahead of Wellesley to India. Wellesley followed in June.
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1797
Feb:
Wellesley arrived in Calcutta (FortWilliam). 33rd arrived earlier (maybe December?)
April:
33rd supposed to go to Manilla (from Bengal?) but did not.
August:
33rd sent to Malay but sent back due to French. Wellesley went to Madras (Fort St George) and 33rd back to Calcutta (Fort William).
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1798
August:
Wellesley ordered to bring 33rd down to Madras to prepare to invade Mysore.
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1799
Feb 3rd:
Order given to invade Mysore, by Lord Mornington (Wellesley’s Brother).
(Note. Major Shee of 33rd neglected his duties and some men had no arms or eqipment.)
March 26th:
33rd came out of thick jungle at Mallavelly to see a ridge ahead crowned with elephants. 2,000 of the Tipoos troups trained by French (First battle in TIGER).
April 5th:
Troops enclose Seringapatam. Skirmish at Sultanpeltah Tope. Lt. Fitzgerald is killed in the fighting by Hakeswill. 12 soldiers (8 from the 33rd) are taken prisoner and excuted by Jetties, bar Hakeswill. Hakeswill betrays Sharpe and Lawford. Sharpe and Lawford imprisoned.
April 6th:
Seigework begins.
May 2nd:
Rocket Magazine blows up and creates breach (two days later in TIGER).
May 4th:
The order for the assault is given. In the fighting Sharpe kills the tiger guard, escapes the dungeon, finds the Tippoo, kills him and steals his jewels, and throws Hakeswill to the tigers.
May 5th:
Funeral of Tippoo. Sharpe is made Sergeant.
July:
Harris’ troops leave. In Decccan the 33rd in skirmishes with Dhoondiah Waugh, a bandit who had also escaped the Tippoo’s prison, and the rebelious Rajah of Bellum, amongst others.
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1800
January:
Skirmish with Dhoondiah Waugh.
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1803
September 23rd:
Wellesley is victorious at Assaye. Sharpe makes Ensign in reward for his heroics.
November 29th:
Wellesley wins at Arguam.
December 15th:
Wellesley captures Gawilghur.
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1805
33rd return to England. Sharpe returns to England on sickleave.
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1806
Sharpe joins the 95th Rifles. Sharpe is made Quartermaster.
July:
Exchanged into 95th. Made quartermaster by LT. Col. Wade.
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1807
18th October:
French troops cross Franco-Spanish border.
30th November:
Lisbon occupied by the French.
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1808
23rd March:
Madrid occupied by the French. Bourbons exiled, Joseph
proclaimed king.
May-June:
Insurrections against the French throughout Spain and Portugal.Joseph flees Madrid.
1-8th August:
British army under Sir Arthur Wellesley lands at the mouth
of the Mondego River, Portugal. 9,000 troops.
17th August:
Battle of Rolica. The British Army lands in Portugal at
Mondego Bay and attacks a French force coming out from Lisbon. After a
battle in which Sir Arthur Wellesley's troops show great ‘enthusiasm',
the French under Gen. Delaborde fall back onto their reinforcements.
Site of the first battle between the British and French armies. Sharpe is promoted to a now vacant Lieutenancy.
21st August:
Battle of Vimiero. Covering a landing from the sea by the
rest of his troops, the British army posted on two hills is attached by
the entire French army under Marshal Junot. The enemy is routed by the
steady fire of the redcoats and Wellesley's firm leadership. The French
sue for peace, and leave the Peninsula, but Wellesley is recalled home.
First Sir. Harry Burrard then Sir Hew Dalrymple replace Wellesley.
French troops repatriated under the Convention of Cintra.
November:
Napoleon comes to Spain with the Grande Armee, retakes Madrid.
4th December:
Napoleon restores Joseph, beats multiple uncoordinated Spanish armies. Wellesley guards approaches to Lisbon with 40,000 men.
10th December:
British army under Sir John Moore advances from Salamanca.
24th December:
Moore retreats from Sahagun.
December 25th:
Retreat to Coruna begins.
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1809
January 1-14th:
Retreat to Coruna.
January 16th:
Battle of Corunna, Sir John Moore killed. Sir John
Moore, given command, takes the small British army through Portugal and
into Spain to support the rumored Spanish uprising and relieve Madrid.
When this proves to be false, Moore has to retreat over and through
terrible snow covered mountains of Galacia pursued by Bonaparte himself
with a massive army. Though saving Spain from full occupation and
conquest by the French, he partially loses control of his army and
scenes of drunkenness ensue. At Corunna harbor he defeats the French
pursuit under Marshal Soult but is killed at the moment of victory.
January 17th:
Moore’s army evacuated. Sharpe and a handful of the 95th, including Patrick Harper, are cut off
and left behind. Sharpe, briefly, takes the town of Santiago from the French.
Napoleon leaves the Peninsula, never to return. His brother Joseph
and the marshals are left in charge. There were four separate armies and
they never could work out coordination.
March:
Soult sacks Oporto.
April 22nd:
Wellesley arrives in Portugal to command the British Forces.
May 12th:
Wellesley takes Oporto after the Battle of the Douro. Marshal Soult defeated.
3rd July:
British army under Wellesley enters Spain.
July 6th:
Wellesley appointed Marshal-General of Portugal.
July 27-8th:
Victory at Talavera. Sharpe takes his Eagle. Sharpe is given command of the South Essex's Light Company.
Sir Arthur Wellesley returns, stating
confidently he can hold Portugal against the French. He moves toward
Madrid after defeating Marshal Soult at Oporto, avenging Sir John
Moore. Spanish troops promise to help him and he accepts battle
unwillingly at Talavera and is attacked by the combined French armies.
After a battle in which his casualties are high, the French retreat
defeated but the British also have to move back to Portugal, isolated
and alone. Wellesley plans the defense of Portugal, and ignores Spanish
promises and entreaties.
Talavera is a most satisfactory battlefield to visit. The town has not
expanded greatly, not the area changed in regard to the use of the
land. Both the Medellin and the Cascajal are admirable points for
surveying the entire terrain over which the armies fought. There is
also an ancient watchtower on the edge of the mountains to the north.
The Casa de Salinas, the Pajar, and the chapel to the east of the city
are all readily identifiable and remain unchanged. A dam has been
constructed across the Portina, between the Medellin and the Cascajal,
to form a lake in the valley to the north which floods the area where
the 23rd L.D. charged. The Portina below the dam flows in the same
channel, and in the summer apparently in the same volume, as at the time
of the battle.
September 4th:
Wellesley becomes Viscount Wellington of Talavera and Wellington.
October 20th:
Wellington starts building the Lines of Torres Vedras.
The remains of the Lines of Torres Vedras are particularly
interesting. There were over 140 masonry and earth closed works in the
first line alone, most of which still exist as easily recognizable
ruins. They were placed on hill-tops and have a characteristic
appearance from below. It is a rewarding climb to many of these; one
can often trace the original walls, ditches, gun emplacements, and means
of entrance.
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1810
10th July:
French army under Massena takes Ciudad Rodrigo.
July 28th:
Almeida surrenders.
26th August:
Fortress town of Almeida blown apart following an explosion in the fortress's powder magazine (GOLD - book).
September 27th:
Wellington defeats Massena at Busaco.
Sir Arthur, now Viscount Wellington,
promoted after Talavera, posts his Anglo-Portuguese troops on a high
ridge and bars the French advance. Marshal Massena foolishly attacks
them without proper preparations, and is hurled back with heavy losses.
Wellington continues his retreat after giving the French this bloody
nose, and Massena thinks he will capture Lisbon...but Wellington's vast
secret Lines of Torres Vedras are an unbreakable barrier.
October 10th:
Wellington occupies lines of Tores Vedras.
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1811
3rd March:
Messena retreats from Santarem.
5th March:
Battle of Barrosa. Bt under Sir Thomas Graham, French under
Marshal Victor. Attempt by Bt to relieve Cadiz. This is where Patrick
Masterman of the 87th Reg first captured a French eagle.
May 3-5th:
Sharpe returns to the Peninsula from a visit to England where he has met Jane for the first time.
Wellington defeats Massena at Fuentes de Onoro (D'Onoro). (BATTLE - book). A hard three day fight
as the French try to relieve Almeida from Wellington's seige. Heavily
outnumbered in the street fighting and manouevre on the hot dry plains,
Wellington's army wins through but he later states..."if Boney had been
there I would have been beat." The French blow up Almeida and leave.
Marshall Massena led. "The Allies refused to allow the enemy cavalry
to pin them down to a position on which infantry and artillery could
converge. This was Craufurd's finest hour; he handled his command with
unerring skill. He kept his line battalions in mobile squares, but used
his riflemen in small groups of one or two companies as skirmishers."
Fletcher says ‘one of the most polished displays in military
history.'Weller, pp 162-63. (there is much more good stuff but not
actually how the squares moves. Says that Bt infantry of this period
could form three different types of squares, one of these could be taken
up by troops either stationary or in motion.)
The lower village of Fuentes remains today almost as it was at the time
of the battle. (Straddles the Portuguese/Spanish border.) The original
bridge over the Dos Casas River still stands; the walled gardens on the
right bank are little changed. To the north, the ruins of Fort
Concepcion are in much the same condition as when Craufurd blew up the
place in July 1810. As Harry Smith wrote, this is a 'most perfect
work', and can be inspected in detail by anyone who ascends the broad
low hill between the Turones (the Spanish-Portuguese border at that
point) and the Dos Casas. Both Poco Velho and Nave de Haver are in
Portugal. The swamps are greatly diminished, but the great flat plain,
where Craufurd accomplished so much, is unmistakable. The Allied line
between Fuentes and Freineda is difficult to follow, being partially
obscured by the modern town, railway station, and the new border
crossing point. The main road now passes to the north of Fuentes and
south of Almeida.
May 6-15th:
Beresford starts first siege at Badajoz.
16th May:
Battle of Albuera. Beresford's Infantry against Soult
("resolute behaviour of unyielding British infantry" Fletcher).
May 19th - June 16th:
Second siege at Badajoz.
23-25th June:
Wellington offers battle on the Caia.
28-30th September:
Wellington offers battle near the upper Coa.
November/December:
Sharpe's daughter Antonia is born.
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1812
January:
Napoleon strips Spain of his best troops for Russia leaving under
200,000 troops. Guerillas, intelligence are stronger.
January 19th:
Wellington captures Cuidad Rodrigo. Wellington takes advantage
of French disorganization and strikes at one of the main frontier
fortresses. He attacks after a short bombardment and the fortress is
taken, with light losses.
Lawford loses an arm and is sent home. Sharpe demoted to
Lieutenant.
April 7th:
Wellington Captures Badajoz. Sharpe saves his wife and child inside Badajoz. Sharpe remakes Captain. Leroy is wounded.
Wellington moves his army south and
begins the seige of Badajoz in the spring rains. After a month of foul
weather, he commits his tired and cold soldiers to storming the
formidable walls of the fort before the bombardment is complete, hearing
that French forces are coming from the south. In a night of hell, fire,
bullets, shells and destruction, British troops finally break into the
city and wreak havoc; 5000 of his finest soldiers lay dead in the
ditches. Wellington now has the keys to the doors of Spain.
The campaign area can now be covered by using modern paved roads which
follow the old ones fairly closely. At Ciudad Rodrigo, the castle is
now a state-owned hotel. From a bedroom there, one can toss an orange
onto the exact position of the two guns taken by O'Toole. The repairs
made by Wellington at the main breach can be recognized easily from the
Greater Teson. The narrow streets within the old town can be negotiated
with early nineteenth century military maps.
Badajoz has grown, but the old fortifications remain, including the
castle, Fort San Christobal, and certain walls. The breaches were
repaired but the walls themselves have been in part taken down. The town
is a sad, depressing place; memories of the tragedies of a century and a
half ago seem to linger in the old streets.
13th June 1812:
Wellington crosses the Agueda and begins the
march on
Salamanca. His army of about 48,000 men (28,00 British, 17,000
Portuguese
and 3,000 Spanish) marched in three parallel columns covering a
front of
some ten miles. The Left was commanded by Picton, the Centre by
Beresford
and the Right by Graham. There were 3,500 cavalry but Wellington
was short
of artillery, his train consisted of only 8 British and 1
Portuguese
battery (some 54 guns).
The army started the campaign almost bankrupt. The troops' pay
was 5 months
in arrears, and the muleteers had not been paid since June 1811.
Despite
this they began on a high note; this was the first offensive
into the heart
of Spain since 1809, and intelligence led Wellington to believe
his chances
of victory had never been better.
14th June:
Leroux, sent to Spain by Napoleon in order discover
the identity
of the ally's chief spy, El Mirador; is captured by Sharpe who
after a
mission to the north, is marching with the South Essex to rejoin
Wellington's main army.
Wellington advances to the Huebra and camps at Cabrillas.
15th June:
A long march took the main army to Matilla and Cayos.
16th June:
Advanced cavalry of Beresford's column finally sight
two
squadrons of enemy chasseurs about six miles from Salamanca. The
outposts
offered no resistance and withdrew across the Tormes. The army
camps in
sight of the city that night, and learns that Marmont has
evacuated his
forces, leaving only three new forts garrisoned. Wellington does
not pursue
Marmont, but wanting to fight from his favourite defensive
position tries
to compel the French to attack him at Salamanca.
Salamanca was, and is, an important University City, and is
arguably one of
the most beautiful places in the world. The city is dominated by
the twin
towers of the city's cathedrals. The Old cathedral, dedicated to
Santa
Maria was built in the twelfth century, and the foundation stone
of the
"new" cathedral was laid in 1512. It is surrounded by a vast
complex of
academic buildings and religious houses, and the huge colonnaded
Plaza
Mayor- just as described in "Sharpe's Sword". The small
garrison left by
Marmont occupied three new forts built on high ground at the
south west
corner of the city overlooking the Tormes and commanding the
approach to
the city over the Roman bridge. To fortify the position Marmont
had
destroyed nearly all the buildings that previously occupied the
site,
leaving a wide open glacis round three remaining convents which
had then
been heavily fortified. The San Vincente occupied the crest of
a knoll in
the extremity of the old city wall, separated by a narrow but
steep ravine
from the smaller strongholds of San Cayetano and La Merced. The
three
forts, garrisoned by some 800 men and 36 guns, formed an
impressive
triangle of covering fire, with approach from the river side
almost
impossible.
17th June:
The South Essex reach the hills overlooking
Salamanca. Leroux
escapes, killing Ensign McDonald and Colonel Windham. Sharpe
leads the
Light Company in pursuit but loses Leroux in the city. He
encounters Father
Curtis, The Marquesa and Lord Spears for the first time.
Because the French command the approach over the Roman bridge,
Wellington's
forces split, Picton crossing the Tormes at the fords of El
Canto below the
city, and the other columns at Santa Marta above it. Part of
Wellington's
sixth Division and the 14th Light Dragoons enter Salamanca to
the adulation
of the Spanish inhabitants; while the rest of the army proceeded
three
miles to the heights of San Cristobal north-east of the city.
18th June:
Sharpe joins Wellington's main army on the San
Christobal Ridge.
Leroux is believed to have escaped to the relative security of
the Forts.
Back in the city the three forts turned out to be far stronger
than
Wellington had been led to expect. The insufficiency of the
artillery
brought with the army from Cuidad Rodrigo now became all too
obvious,
though six 24 howitzers were due up from Elvas by the 20th. 400
workmen
from the Sixth Division begin work on a battery the same night,
but
progress is severely hampered by French fire from the forts,
despite the
efforts of 300 marksmen from the King's German Legion providing
covering
fire so that the siegework could go ahead.
20th June:
Sharpe watches the arrival of Marmont's army on the
plain below
the British position on the ridge. Marmont's forces had gathered
the day
before, and he now had 3 columns of about 18,000 foot and 2,000
horse
according to British estimations, with more following behind. By
4pm he was
so close- only 800 yards at one point - that Wellington troops
assumed
battle position. There is some long range fire, but no other
action.
Overnight a French regiment advances to attack Morisco which had
been
occupied by the 68th regiment as an advanced post. The British
beat off
three attacks, and then were withdrawn to the main lines.
Wellington was
glad to see the French pressing forward, and showed his
divisional generals
the battle plan for the following morning.
In the city, the howitzer's from Elvas arrive to bolster the
guns firing at
the French forts, but the immense improvement in firepower was
short lived,
because by the following morning there was hardly any shot left
to fire.
More had been requested from Almeida, but was not expected to
arrive at
Salamanca until the 26th.
21st June:
There was no French attack: two divisions of
Marmont's army had
not yet been brought forward and it was obvious to the French
that they
were outnumbered. It was such an opportunity for Wellington to
attack that
his staff discussed with curiosity the reason he did not take
advantage of
it.
22nd June:
Bored by the army's inaction Sharpe has a
conversation with
Hogan and learns something of Leroux's true identity. He is
called away by
the beginnings of a skirmish on the San Christobal Ridge. The
Light
company engages enemy Voltigeurs, but the French flee and the
fight comes
to nothing. Wellington still hoped to provoke Marmont into an
attack; but
the French do not bite. The Seventh division and skirmishers of
the KGL
advanced down towards Morisco; and soon after the 51st and the
68th were
ordered to storm a knoll above Morisco, the most advanced point
of the
enemy line, in the hope that the French would draw up
reinforcements. As it
was, the British battalions took the knoll in one push, and the
French
pulled back 200 yards to the village.
Wellington lets slip that he plans to attack the forts the
following day,
and instructs Sharpe join the attacking forces, not to fight,
but to find
Leroux. He puts Sharpe and the Light company under Hogan's
command. Hogan
reinforces how important it is that Leroux is captured and tells
Sharpe
about "El Mirador", the codename for the allies most important
spy. La
Marquesa invites Sharpe to the ball she is planning to celebrate
Wellington's "inevitable" victory.
23rd June:
Marmont's army marches away from the city during the
night.
Wellington sends Hulse's brigade of the Sixth division back to
Salamanca
together with orders to press the siege of the forts. At 10pm
the British
attack the forts but fail in their attempt. The storming column
had to
press forward under enemy fire from the forts, and many men
never even
reached their objective. Of 20 ladders, only two were placed
against the
walls. A third of the men were killed, including the commander
Bowes.
In a rage after the disastrous attack, Sharpe argues with a
commissary
Lieutenant and then stalks off to La Marquesa's ball. Ultimately
he meets
La Marquesa again and is seduced by her on the rooftop Mirador.
24-27 June:
Despite the lack of ammunition, the British continue
their
artillery barrage and siegeworks around the forts (in the book:-
in reality
the replacement powder and shot did not arrive until the morning
of the
26th. The barrage commenced in earnest at 3pm on that day.).
Sharpe begins a torrid affair with la Marquesa, now believing
her to be "El
Mirador" and in danger of attack from Leroux. Sharpe tells her
she will be
safe, Leroux can't possibly escape, even if he is disguised.
The British army is still manoeuvring and counter manoeuvring
with
Marmont's forces in the countryside around Salamanca.
27th June:
The gunners had been firing red hot shot into the
forts, setting
fire to the tower and roof of the San Vincente and causing
considerable
damage. After four hours pounding in the morning, there was a
practicable
breach in the gorge of the San Cayetano and a huge fire raging
in the San
Vincente. Wellington ordered a second storming of the San
Cayetano, but
just as the forlorn hope started forward the French commander
asked for a
two hour truce to confer with his colonel in the San Vincente.
Wellington
gave him five minutes, and then pressed the assault. A few shots
were
fired, but most of the garrison threw down their weapons and
offered no
resistance. Shortly afterwards, the San Vincente garrison, who
were too
occupied with firefighting to offer resistance, asked for terms.
The two
remaining forts were taken without a fight. In all, almost 600
prisoners
were taken.
Marmont learns that the forts have been taken and since there
was now no
reason for taking risks, retires north-east towards the Douro
where he
could expect to receive reinforcement's.
Sharpe's men are in attendance at the second attack on the
forts, with
instructions not to fight, but to search for Leroux. Sharpe and
Harper
search the San Cayetano, and find that the inside of the fort
resembles a
charnel house. There are some appalling injuries amongst the
wounded, but
despite searching everyone, there is no trace of Leroux in any
of the
forts. The day is scorching, and the heat from the fires makes
the search
unbearably hot, so Sharpe removes his jacket. Suddenly, they
remember a
horrifically injured officer and realise that this would be the
ideal
disguise for Leroux to avoid the South Essex's search. They race
to the
Irish college, which is being used as a hospital to search the
wounded
there. Leroux realises that Sharpe is in pursuit, and tries to
escape. He
attacks Harper, who loses his balance and falls down a flight of
stairs.
Sharpe sees Harper and takes off after Leroux. The two fight,
and Sharpe's
sword is broken by Leroux's Kligenthal blade. Interrupted by a
British
sentry, Leroux is prevented from killing Sharpe and flees with
the rifleman
in pursuit. As the Frenchman escapes into Curtis's room, Sharpe
fires his
rifle, but misses. The door opens again and Leroux fires his
pistol. Sharpe
is hit in the stomach and collapses in agony as the cathedral
clock strikes
three.
July 22nd:
Wellington defeats Marmont at Salamanca. Sharpe has an affair with Helena. Sharpe is wounded and left for dead. (SWORD - book).
Wellington is deep in Spain, pursuing
the French. When more French troops arrive, they move to try and cut
him off from his base. In a brilliant attack, Wellington crushes 40,000
French soldiers in 40 minutes and at the end of the day is completely
victorious, and captures Madrid.
August 12-13th:
Madrid falls to the Allies. Wellington enters Madrid.
August 18th:
Wellington becomes Marquess.
September: Wellington finally given command of Spanish armies.
September 19th:
Wellington raises the siege of Burgos and retreats because
of lack of siege train. Supplies give out.
October 22nd:
Wellington abandons siege at Burgos. Allied army returns to Ciudad Rodrigo in a costly retreat.
November 19th:
Wellington returns to Portugal.
December:
Sharpe gets his promtion to Major (Brevet) from the
Prince of Wales (ENEMY), which is why Lord Fartingdale
was pressured into allowing him to lead the rescue of his "wife" from the deserter army.
December 25th:
Sharpe defends pass into Portugal against attacks by French and deserters.
Sharpe loses first wife, Teresa (ENEMY). His daughter is given to Teresa's family to raise.
|
1813
22nd May:
Wellington's final offensive in Spain commences
May 23rd:
British Troops led into Spain by Wellington.
June 21st:
Wellington defeats Joseph Bonaparte at Vitoria. Sharpe rescues Helena and bags some loot
(HONOUR-book). Leroy is killed.
Wellington's army has rested all winter in
Portugal, and leaps out through the mountains in the spring to catch the
French unawares. He catches them at Vitorria, and for the first time
outnumbers them. Although posted in strong positions, French morale
breaks and a general rout sends them fleeing into the Pyrenees, with the
British riflemen and cavalry in hot pursuit.
The valley of the Zadorra containing Vitoria is considerably changed
to the east around the town itself, but not in the western half where
most of the fighting took place. Some of the bridges have been widened
for modern traffic, but not all. The gorge through which the Great Road
and the Zadorra passed out of the valley still serves this purpose and
cannot be mistaken. One can climb the heights of Puebla along the same
cart tracks followed by Hill's force. The knoll of Arinez, north of the
village of the same name, commands a fine view. In the main, it is
possible to follow the lines of march of the various corps of the Allied
army prior to Vitoria through mountainous, well-watered country, but not
all the roads originally used are passable for motor vehicles.
July-August:
Sharpe returns to England in search of his missing Regiment (South Essex). Sharpe marries Jane Gibbons (REGIMENT).
July 25 - August 1st:
Battle of the Pyrenees. Wellington defeats Soult at Sorauren.
August 31st:
Wellington repulses Soult at San Morica. San Sebastian falls to the Allies. After two French
counter-attacks are repulsed in August, Wellington strikes into the last
barrier into France, the high Pyrenees mountains.
October 7th:
Wellington crosses the Bidassoa. Crossing the river Bidassoa using secret fords in October, Wellington takes the French by surprise and gains a foothold. One month of hard fighting later, his
soldiers look down from the mountaintops into France itself and the
final battles begin.
25th October:
Pamplona falls to the Allies.
November 10th:
Battle of the Nivelle (Bayonne area). Soult defeated by Wellington.
December 9-13th:
Wellington defeats Soult on the Nive.
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1814
February 27th:
Soult defeated at Orthez.
March 12th:
Wellington enters Bordeaux.
April 6th:
Napoleon abdicates.
April 10th:
Wellington defeats Soult at Toulouse. Jane leaves Sharpe but takes all his money.
14-18th April:
French forces opposing Wellington capitulate.
Napoleon exiled to the island of Elba.
Congress of Vienna.
April-May:
Sharpe is accused of stealing Napoleon’s treasure. Sharpe escapes with Harper and Frederickson.
Sharpe is shot by Lucille. Sharpe gets Lucille pregnant. Sharpe, with Calvet, steals the treasure
off Ducos and kills him. Sharpe clears his name (REVENGE).
May 11th:
Wellington becomes Duke.
June - July:
Sharpe is posted to the local Militia in Yorkshire. Sharpe’s half brother is killed in civil stife.
Sharpe returns to Normandy (JUSTICE).
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1815
Sharpe's son, Patrick Lassan, is born.
March 1:
Napoleon returns to France.
June 15th:
Napoleon invades the Netherlands.
June 16th:
Wellington defeats Ney at Quatre Bras. Napoleon defeats Blucher at Ligny.
June 18th:
Wellington and Blucher defeat Napoleon at Waterloo.
July 7th:
Wellington and Blucher enter Paris.
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1816
December 25th:
Sharpe’s family is taken hostage by French ex-soldiers in search of treasure (RANSOM).
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1816-20
Sharpe lives as a farmer in Normandy with Lucille. Sharpe's second daugter, Dominique is born.
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1820-21
Sharpe and Harper travel to Chile. Sharpe helps drive the Spanish from Chile (DEVIL).
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1860
Richard Sharpe dies at the age of 83 years old and is buried on his estate in France.
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