The Life Of A Regimental Officer During The Great War — 1793-1815

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