Hi Bernard, Currently reading the Iron Duke by Richard Holmes. Just wondering what you thought of the book as you probably picked it up at some stage? Also at the risk of sounding desperately unpatriotic I don’t quite understand why “gentlemen” would ever go to war especially during the Napoleonic era. It might be understandable back during the 100 years war where Lords were expected to provide a force etc and where numbers were fewer and plunder maybe went further. But from Holmes’ book it seemed that only the very fortunate officers were raised to the peerage, made their fortunes etc while many more were far less fortunate what with the army being stuffed with senior officers and plunder (leaving the moral aspect aside) being discouraged etc. And not forgetting the very real risk of being killed or badly injured. I just don’t see the attraction. Would it not have been more prudent for “men of consequence” to use their contacts to get fixed up in business in London etc rather than risk death and illness in the army? It’s understandable why Sharpe would join but maybe you can explain why the upper classes would do so. Was it the age old pull of excitement and adventure or did it come down to what Wellington’s mother said that Arthur should join the army because he was fit for nothing more (or something to that effect). Kind regards Willie