The 51st Light Infantry, or 52nd as they were numbered during the French wars, were always viewed as a crack unit within the Duke of Wellington's Peninsular army. As a part of the Light Division, they formed part of the skirmish screen that would be the first to strike during an advance and the last bulwark of defence during a retreat. Colonel Samuel Rice fought in all of the 51st campaigns during the period starting as the most junior of officers, an ensign rising to the rank of Lt.-Colonel in November 1813. He fought in the engagements at Coruña, Fuentes d'Oñoro, Cuidad Rodrigo, the storm of Badajoz, Salamanca, San Murcial and Orthez. He also saw service on Corsica, Cape of Good Hope, Sri Lanka and at Waterloo near Hougomont. His letters are blended into a tight and gripping narrative by Antony Mockler-Ferryman, blending a historical overview with the eye-witness details of the individual. Author — Mockler-Ferryman, A. F. 1856-1930. Author — Colonel Samuel Rice, C.B., K.H. Text taken, whole and complete, from the edition published in Edinburgh, W. Blackwood and sons, 1913. Original Page Count – xv, 326 pages.