Recollections of Rifleman Harris

"Recollections of Rifleman Harris" is a vivid and enduring firsthand account of life in the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars. Serving as a member of the elite 95th Rifles, Benjamin Harris provides a rare perspective from the rank and file, detailing the grueling realities of the Peninsular War. From the heat of battle at Vimeiro and Roliça to the harrowing retreat to Corunna, Harris captures the physical and mental toll of 19th-century warfare with striking clarity.

The narrative, recorded and edited by Henry Curling, stands as a cornerstone of military history for its honest depiction of the soldier's experience. Harris goes beyond tactical maneuvers to describe the daily struggles of hunger, exhaustion, and the bonds formed between comrades under fire. This memoir offers invaluable insights into the discipline and character of the British infantryman, making it a vital resource for historians and readers interested in the Napoleonic era. With its raw honesty and evocative detail, "Recollections of Rifleman Harris" remains one of the most compelling accounts of war ever written from the perspective of a common soldier.

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