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Lieutenants, or "subalterns" as they were called, were very young in the British Army of the Napoleonic Wars, so George Gleig was not unique when he joined the 85th Light Infantry at the age of 17. Thrown into action in Spain against invading French forces in the summer of 1813, Gleig fought continuously for 18 months. The unique quality of Gleig's personal account was recognized immediately, and his narrative was praised by the Duke of Wellington himself. Although not always readily available to the general public. Gleig's account has been extensively drawn on by later historians and historical novelists. Gleig left behind a unique account of Wellington's victories, the primitive conditions endured by both soldiers and civilians, and the mood of the times.

George Robert Gleig had a distinguished career with the British Army. His classic narrative has now been edited with an introduction and chapter notes by Ian Robertson. Robertson has been writing on the Peninsular War for 40 years. His most recent work was Wellington at War in the Peninsula.