I purchased my first Sharpe book in 89 and you have kept me entertained, educated and thirsty for knowledge since. I’m a ‘frustrated military historian’ and look forward to each Historical Note as much as the story itself and I’m launched on my own literature search.
Your portrayal of a soldiers daily routine, drill, his weapon and kit maintenance are so vivid in my minds’ eye that it was very easy to swap pipe-clay for cam cream,SLR for muzzle loading rifle and gun-pit for battlements, My uncle was one of the paras that had to punch through to the Ox&Bucks on now Pegasus Bridge. You would have enjoyed his description of the dawns beauty that day, it’s changing colour,sounds and smells. The only mention of the day’s purpose was the uplifting sight of a sky filling with chutes & gliders.
As a former sapper with the RAE Maj Hogan CRE is naturally a favourite among all of your wonderful characters. Please keep the great reads coming and thank you.for many a page-turning hour.
Cheers
Phil