I have read almost all of the Sharpe stories, & learned more from them about weapons & tactics than I learned in 9 years of soldiering – mind, I WAS provost…I am amazed at the level of research you must have done, to bring depth & colour to the scenarios you describe. In this attitude of awe & respect, therefore, I offer (humbly!) one fact. Next time one of your ‘heroes’ goes to sea – ropes are not ‘flaked’ down.(Sharpe’s Trafalgar’). They are ‘faked’.I take for my authority vol.1, Admiralty of Seamanship, ’64 edition.pp121. Don’t feel too bad about the mistake – it’s a bet that has won me several drinks among ‘yotty’ mates! May you write a thousand more.
George Payne