Hello Mr Cornwell, I’ll start by adding my thanks (to the thousands you’ve already received, deservedly) for the many hours of reading pleasure you’ve given me. I have a question that’s been simmering in my mind for years now: In a battle in one of the Sharpe books – was it Waterloo? – a rifleman has his foot removed when attempting to stop a slow rolling cannonball – and receives short shrift from his sergeant for his stupidity, if I remember correctly. I was quite surprised by this at the time and I wonder if you a) remember the event and b) have the science for how it could have caused such a devastating injury? Thanks again, and I wish you an everlasting supply of inspiration.

Stuart Reynolds