N016

2022

Military

Richard Sharpe is a fictional British officer in the Napoleonic Wars, created by author Bernard Cornwell. Serving in the 95th Rifles, a distinguished light infantry regiment, Sharpe rises through the ranks due to his battlefield prowess and cunning, despite lacking the traditional aristocratic connections.

Born into poverty and originally a thief, Sharpe's early military career began in the ranks. His bravery and resourcefulness during the siege of Seringapatam earned him a battlefield commission. His subsequent service, largely in the Iberian Peninsula, sees him involved in numerous key battles and covert operations.

Sharpe is portrayed as a pragmatic and skilled soldier, proficient in close combat and marksmanship. Though often insubordinate to incompetent superiors, his loyalty to his men and his dedication to duty are unwavering. He is defined by his strong sense of justice and his willingness to challenge the rigid class structures of the British army.

While a fictional character, Sharpe’s adventures reflect the realities of warfare in the Napoleonic era and provide an accessible entry point to understanding military history.