Adventures in the Rifle Brigade, in the Peninsula, France and the Netherlands from 1809-1815

by John Kincaid, Ian Fletcher

This scarce antiquarian book is included in our special Legacy Reprint Series. In the interest of creating a more extensive selection of rare historical book reprints, we have chosen to reproduce this title even though it may possibly have occasional imperfections such as missing and blurred pages, missing text, poor pictures, markings, dark backgrounds and other reproduction issues beyond our control. Because this work is culturally important, we have made it available as a part of our commitment to protecting, preserving and promoting the world's literature.

Genres: Military History, Research, History, Nonfiction

384 pages, Paperback

First published August 28, 1997

About the author

Sir John Kincaid of the rifle brigade was born at Dalheath in January 1787. He was educated at Polmont school, and served for a time as lieutenant in the North York militia. On the formation of the old 3rd battalion (afterwards disbanded) of the 95th rifles, now the rifle brigade, at Hythe, Kent, in 1809, Kincaid joined with a draft of militia volunteers from the North York, and received a second lieutenancy in the 95th, with which corps he served through the Peninsular campaigns of 1811–14 and at Waterloo. He led the forlorn hope at one of the assaults of Ciudad Rodrigo; was severely wounded, and had a horse shot under him as acting adjutant at Waterloo. He attained the rank of captain in the rifle brigade in 1826, and retired by sale of his commissions 21 June 1831. For his Peninsular services he afterwards received the medal with clasps for Fuentes d'Onor, Ciudad Rodrigo, Badajoz, Salamanca, Vittoria, Pyrenees, Nivelle, Nive, and Toulouse. Kincaid was appointed exon of the royal bodyguard of yeomen of the guard on 25 Oct. 1844, and, on becoming senior exon in 1852, was knighted according to custom. In 1847 he was appointed government inspector of prisons for Scotland, and in 1850 Sir George Grey [q. v.] conferred on him the appointment of inspector of factories and prisons for Scotland, which he resigned through ill-health shortly before his death. He died at Hastings, unmarried, on 22 April 1862, aged 75.

Kincaid was author of ‘Adventures in the Rifle Brigade’ (London, 1830; 2nd edition, London, 1838) and ‘Random Shots of a Rifleman’ (London, 1835). Cope, the historian of the rifle brigade, says that, although written with too much levity, they contain many facts of interest, and the dates and statements are confirmed by more formal authorities.

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book. The penisula war and waterloo as seen through the eyes of one man, a lieutenant in the Rifle Brigade. They were in the front of the action from the beginning to the end.
Some amusing incidents and lots of sorrow.

[Little Red Readinghood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Came to this book as a fan of Georgette Heyer as it was a source of Spanish Bride and the Grand Sophy. Extremely readable and witty. I got the copy from Gutenberg Press. The Napoleonic Wars viewed from an English officer's diary as it occurred.

[Johann Steinke · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are into Napoleonic history then this book is AWESOME! A personal historical account of an officer in the Peninsular War, it describes in great detail what it is like to be on Campaign during the Napoleonic era and the tactics used (which were much more complex and thought out than I have ever seen in any Hollywood portrayal) It does describe many of the horrors and hardships with a bit too much "stiff-upper-lip" and "levity" (which was expected of the British officer culture of that time) but that too helps one learn about the culture and history. For an infantryman's perspective from the same unit, be sure to read "Recollections of Rifleman Harris" which is probably even more incredible!

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining and often humorous look at life in the Rifle Brigade during the Peninsular War and during the Waterloo campaign. Kincaid doesn't mince words about his activities and the rest of the division he fought with, but he does it in a somewhat jovial manner, which is impressive considering the battles and sieges (such as Badajos) fought. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the Peninsular War. He may not always be objective, although he does criticize some of Wellington's actions, but he is always entertaining. With men like Kincaid in the army, it is not surprising that the Allies pushed the French out of Portugal and Spain and on to final victory.

[Liewen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An essential read for every military history nerd who wants to learn more about Napoleonic wars (especially about the Peninsula war & Quatre Bras/Waterloo). The author/narrator is the very same John Kincaid from Georgette Heyer's The Spanish bride and his writing is sometimes compelling and all the time full of wit and humour.