Hello Bernard
Recently whilst driving to work I listed to the audio of your book the Fort and one of the characters I noticed had a lot in common with Mr Sharpe the Continental marine captain David Welch a big man, black hair, a fearless fighter favours big straight sword and his back story is that he was taken in prisoner and brought to Britain before escaping and met a lady whist doing so.
One clue you have given is to think irony and one there are plenty he hates the British and is killed by John Moore the founder of the 95th rifles.
Probably way off but seemed a good guess.
Thank you
Patrick