Wellington's commanders were undoubtedly a breed apart. Among these heroes were cavalry officer Henry Paget, who kept the French horses from the heels of the retreating British infantry with a dashing charge at Benavente, and Thomas Picton, who concealed his injuries from his men while commanding to his last breath. This book examines the command and staff system of Wellington's army, and the background, character and war records of his commanding officers. Numerous illustrations, including eight full colour plates, depict the officers' uniforms in vivid detail.
Michael Barthorp was educated at Wellington College and was commissioned into the Rifle Brigade in 1946. Demobilized in 1948, he served as a Territorial with the Royal Hampshire Regiment before rejoining the regular army in the Northamptonshire Regiment to continue a family tradition, ending his career with the Royal Anglian Regiment in 1968. He has since published numerous books on the history and costume of the British Army, including nine titles in the Men-at-Arms series. He lives in the Channel Islands.
Richard Hook was born in 1938 and trained at Reigate College of Art. After national service with 1st Bn, Queen's Royal Regiment, he became art editor of the much-praised magazine Finding Out during the 1960s. He has worked as a freelance illustrator ever since and has illlustrated more than 30 Osprey titles. Richard is married and lives in Sussex; his three children Adam, Jason, and Christa are all professionally active in various artistic disciplines.