The Journal of Sergeant Wilson details the campaigns of an ordinary soldier in the Low Countries between 1695 and 1713. For much of that time Wilson served under the command of the Duke of Marlborough, and was present at Marlborough’s four famous victories, Blenheim, Ramillies, Oudenarde and Malplaquet.Click here to view a text extract
Captain Hon. William Leslie served as an officer of foot with the British army in Ireland and North America between 1770 and 1777, when he was killed at the battle of Princeton (3 January). In his letters he has left a lively account of the life of a junior officer in both peace and war.
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Private Robert Cross served with the 1st Battalion the Leicestershire Regiment during the second Boer War. He was present at the battle of Talana Hill, and subsequently besieged in Ladysmith. After the lifting of the siege Cross’s battalion participated in the subsequent operations to round up Boer Commandos. His diary provides a detailed day-by-day account of the routines and dangers of soldiering in the veldt.
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