Sir,
I just wanted to post a note of thanks for your wonderfully rich tales.  I am currently immersed in Sharpe’s Revenge and just wanted comment on how poignant your portrayal of the recently married Richard Sharpe truly is.  I relish how you have made him much more concerned for his life and thoughts of actual life after the war.  Yet. he still does his duty with great bravery, thought he is terrified.

As a combat advisor in Afghanistan and married father of two daughters I believe I can say with some authority you “nailed” the description of the feelings of terror yet the need to press on.  I was a team chief, yet I always took lead on our mounted patrols. Tactically this was not sound, but I had this gut feeling that I could not live with myself if I let my men go before me and catch an IED.  We were in M1151 HUMMWVs instead of MRAPs so IEDs usually meant a 50-75 percent casualty rate for the crew if the IED was at least 40 lbs of explosive and properly laid.  Point being, I think you capture the feeling of fear and resolve to do one’s duty and that one must press on in spite of it brilliantly.

By the way, my Team XO introduced me to the Saxon Chronicles which I also find absolutely wonderful.  He also wore – and likely wears to this day a “Thor’s Hammer” around his neck.

Again Sir, thank you for your inspiring storytelling.  I find it cathartic as I have moved from combat to a much safer and desk job, yet still find myself constantly thinking of Afghanistan the fine brave men I served with.

Warmest Regards,
Eric Wishart