Hi Bernard,

as an avid reader of your books, I particularly like the Sharpe series, as I have always had a great interest in Wellington’s military career and you have done a fantastic job describing the events. I really enjoyed reading Waterloo and it was my interest in the battle that caused my recent consternation at a local quiz. A question came out ‘Which Nationality made up 73% of the Duke of Wellingtons army?’ Well the mathematics is wrong as of the 68,000 men Wellington had, 25,000 were British and 17,000 were Dutch. Thinking he was looking for an answer that was non British, I replied Dutch. The answer he accepted was actually Prussian! At one point he was going to accept Russian! Who I believe were many miles away heading for France with the Austrians. My argument that Wellington was not commander of the Prussians was met with deaf ears, even when I said that Blucher was in command of the Prussian army. I was quite annoyed at the question and the answer! What would have been your reaction to such a question and the answer Bernard? I would like some expert testimony to advise one particular individual, who told me it was the right answer as Holland came under the banner of Germany! I’m sure an answer from you would settle this debate once and for all.

I have just read Stormchild and Crackdown, not sure what to expect but thoroughly enjoyed them both. Looking forward to any new books you have in the pipe-line as you are by far my favourite author.

Terry Coulton