Garry Wills, author of forthcoming title ‘Wellington at Bay. The Battle of Villamuriel, 25 October 1812’, has produced a video about his book. He explains the battle using wargame figures and photos from the battlefield. It is nicely done!
Gary, thank you for your prompt reply. It is likely then that he joined the 2nd Bn from the Militia when it returned to England in 1813 and then went to the 1st Bn in a draft as he was fully trained. Thank you for checking.
Thank you for your kind words. I have had a quick look through my photos of the pay lists for the second half of 1812 for both the 1st and 2nd battalions and can't find a James Leeson, in any rank. I note also that he is not in the medal roll for the Military General Service Medal.
Excellent book, your analysis of each units combat experience and battle casualties is incredible.
Bit of a cheek I know, but did you come across a James Leeson 4th Foot, in any of your research?
I have the following on him and would like to know if he served in the Peninsular.
Many thanks.
Paul
1/. From a Muster Roll of 24/3/15 – 24/5/15.
Cpl James Leeson. No:1 [Grenadier] Coy. In North America and on ship. To Serjeant 25/5/15.
So he must have been with the battalion for the New Orleans campaign.
2/. Serjeant James Leeson.
No:4 Company, 1/4th Foot at Waterloo.
3/. He was 1 of 5 men who had deserted by June 1816 [whilst part of the Army of Occupation in Paris and later Calais], who’s Waterloo medals were returned.
Just a quick note Paul - I have no record of him being tried for desertion (or indeed for AWOL). Given that desertion/absence was the most prosecuted crime in the army during that period, that might be revealing. Sorry to not have more detail than that though.
Gary. Your book arrived today. I have had a quick flick through and am so impressed I would say I am stunned by the depth of your study. Next on my list for reading! Well done for such a massive piece of work. Paul.
Gary, thank you for your prompt reply. It is likely then that he joined the 2nd Bn from the Militia when it returned to England in 1813 and then went to the 1st Bn in a draft as he was fully trained. Thank you for checking.
Regards.
Paul
Hello Paul,
Thank you for your kind words. I have had a quick look through my photos of the pay lists for the second half of 1812 for both the 1st and 2nd battalions and can't find a James Leeson, in any rank. I note also that he is not in the medal roll for the Military General Service Medal.
All the best
Garry
Thank you Zack. Looks like they never caught him, I suspect that he ran of with a French woman! Paul
Gary,
Excellent book, your analysis of each units combat experience and battle casualties is incredible.
Bit of a cheek I know, but did you come across a James Leeson 4th Foot, in any of your research?
I have the following on him and would like to know if he served in the Peninsular.
Many thanks.
Paul
1/. From a Muster Roll of 24/3/15 – 24/5/15.
Cpl James Leeson. No:1 [Grenadier] Coy. In North America and on ship. To Serjeant 25/5/15.
So he must have been with the battalion for the New Orleans campaign.
2/. Serjeant James Leeson.
No:4 Company, 1/4th Foot at Waterloo.
3/. He was 1 of 5 men who had deserted by June 1816 [whilst part of the Army of Occupation in Paris and later Calais], who’s Waterloo medals were returned.
Thank you so much Paul, I hope you enjoy it.
Gary. Your book arrived today. I have had a quick flick through and am so impressed I would say I am stunned by the depth of your study. Next on my list for reading! Well done for such a massive piece of work. Paul.
Thanks Paul, I hope you enjoy it!
Wellington at Bay is now available to buy from Helion at https://www.helion.co.uk/military-history-books/wellington-at-bay-the-battle-of-villamuriel-25-october-1812.php?sid=47f20bf5bde0b7151ca3bdbff25dae54
Thanks for sharing this. Good video and I look forward to getting the book when life gets back to normal. Paul
Thanks Bob and thank you also for your help with the research. The members of the Napoleon Series feature strongly in my acknowledgement.