Bulletin Board

Dear Bernard, both my son (Henry - 6yrs old) and I love your Sharpe series and I have just finished Uhtred's latest. Loved the ending! I can't wait to read others in the series. Many thanks for all the hours of pleasurable reading you have provided for me. Dean Campbell (Casino, Australia)

This is the first time I have been on your website I am a 19 yr old from near Stratford upon Avon I would just like to say I think your books are fantastic I've read nearly every book you've written - all the Sharpes, Arthurs, Grail Quests, Saxon and Stonehenge. My mum just bought me the new Sharpes Fury which I am just about to start reading now. I have always had a great interest in military history especially the Napoleonic and medieval periods and your books help to bring it life. Richard Cawley

dear sir, I know it won't be Mr Cornwell who reads this but please tell him that his book 'the Pale Horseman' was the first book I have ever read. I' 22 years old and its started a love of books that no other book has, and god knows i've tried, thankyou. Andrew

Dear Sir, I have just finshed reading Sharpe's Fury and I have to say how pleased I was with the book. As a serving member of the Royal Irish Rangers (Territorial army) it was really nice to read about the 87th and the capture of the 8ths eagle at Barrosa. I noticed in your historical note that you couldn't decide between Masterson or Masterman - well you went with the name Masterson which was a good thing as any thing I have seen has always called him Sgt Masterson. In fact in our junior ranks club we have a gorgeous painting of the capture and it does indeed say Sgt Masterson and at any regimental dinners or events in which the battle is mentioned he is always called Masterson. However, enough of me rambling. Many thanks for another great novel, keep them coming. Much regards Rgr Simon Richardson FAUGH-A-BALLAGH

I have just finished the 4 Starbuck Chronicles, have thoroughly enjoyed them and crave more of the same. Please bring him back to carry on the good fight.
C. Wilson

Hi Bernard - I'm happy to have discovered your work, not by way of Sharpe as most, but through your Arthur books. Your Merlin is an exquisite character, and it's a pleasure to see Arthur "humanized," after being brought up with the legend. I read the Saxon stories as well, and noticed that Uhtred and Derfel share a background of being born into one culture and raised in another, and subsequently suffering divided loyalties. It seems as though their situations parallel your own, as a transplanted Brit? At any rate, I look forward to more in the ancient history genre (as soon as I finish Stonehenge, that is). Thanks for the great stories!
Becky Wood

You are right, Bernard. The Starbuck Chronicles do sound a bit like Sharpe, but still great, enjoyable reading. Thank you. Don, USMC Retired. Born in Maine, now living in Arizona.

Mistreatment of Irish Soldiers was not confined to His Mayesty's army. The US Army's officers were no slouches when it came to maltreatment of Irishmen. At the time of the United States War with Mexico, a large number of Irish soldiers serving in the American Army deserted, and fought under the Mexican flag as the "San Patricio Batallion". Several books and at least one movie have been made about them, the latest, as a novel titled the "St Patrick's Batallion". The leader of the "San Patricios" was a man named John Riley. The unit, probably the most effective and deadly in the Mexican army, was wiped out at the battle for Chepaultepec Castle with the survivors being tried by courts martial for desertion. A large number were sentanced to death by Winfield Scott, the US forces commander, and the executions by hanging were carried out the moment the US flag flew over the Castle. Sgt Riley and several others escaped the death sentance as they had deserted before the formal declaration of war. They were branded as deserters.
Sam

Sir, I much enjoyed your SHARPE series ... but was fairly flummoxed with your ... or the TV description ..of Sgt Hakeswell (spelling ???). Back in l948 I was called up ... conscription ... and joined the DORSETS in Austria. The battalion chief Provost was Sgt. (sorry, but I've forgotten his name)with supposedly the M.M. who, too, used to shake his head just like Hakeswell. Rumour had it that he had a schrapnel wound and a piece was still there! I just couldn't get over that uncanny 'resemblance' ! His understudy was a typical lance corporal who didn't like me. Reciprocated ! Lance Corporal Nash of, obviously, an Etonian background who used to say 'Yew, soljer, hits hagainst harmy regulayshuns ter smoke wiv a cigarrete 'older' Yours truly, Freeman Newton, White Rock, B.C.

"Sharpe's Challenge" aired here in Australia last weekend - while I was much more impressed with it than with the previous Sharpe Television series, I was disappointed that the BBC chose to change facts when there was no need. Why not set this story in the context in which it was written - "Sharpe's Triumph"? And stating that Lucille died of fever? That grated a lot. I have read your Sharpe Companion, and took great comfort in the fact that Richard enjoyed a long and happy life with Lucille after his fighting years were over. I mean no offence to you personally - I just felt that I had to comment! I am about to collect "Sharpe's Fury" from the library, and I am looking forward to it with much delight!
Jenifer Rubenach