I heard on the wind a little while ago that you were educated at MC and indeed that you were honoured with THE O.B.E. Congratulations. I ,too,was at MC but a little while after you probably because they wanted a ” Pocock” there in its centenary year – 1968. My late father was also a Rev F. Pocock ( no relation). I had not read any of your books but used to enjoy Sharpe’s Rifles. However I was given a copy of your book “Waterloo” for Christmas and despite the fact I am a very slow reader finished it in 3 days. Apart from the quality and extent of the research which was superb I congratulate you on a very well written account of what was an extremely fraught and complex battle. One day, if we were ever to meet I will tell you of the ghost of The Duke being seen at Walmer Castle. That apart, please pass on my congratulations to your editor and publishers for a beautifully produced book. It is well bound , excellent maps, good pictures and well done the proof readers – so often they get bored or lazy towards the end ( my son is a proof reader always looking for new horizons and with his father a lawyer we exchange notes) ! It was also produced on good quality paper and just ‘felt’ a joy to hold. You made a number of references to Mark Adkins who I think has also written about Trafalgar ( I read more naval than military history). Also Mark Urban has written a good book on Wellington’s intelligence officer in the Peninsular campaign. Of no interest to you there was a rifleman Pocock in that campaign who I believe had been an actor ! Enough. Well done – I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
yours sincerely
Stephen Pocock