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Sharpe's Escape: The Bussaco Campaign of 1810

W. Somerset Maugham

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The Bussaco Campaign of 1810 was a pivotal moment in the Peninsular War, marking a significant turning point in the conflict between the French and British armies. At the heart of this campaign was the renowned British rifleman, Richard Sharpe, whose daring escape from the advancing French forces became a legend.

This article will delve into Sharpe's escape during the Bussaco Campaign, exploring the historical context, the events that unfolded, and the significance of his actions. We will also examine the literary representation of this event in Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe series of novels, tracing how fiction and history intertwine to create an enduring legacy.

Sharpe's Escape: The Bussaco Campaign, 1810

by Bernard Cornwell

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	871 KB
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Print length	:	368 pages

Historical Context

The Peninsular War (1808-1814) was a conflict between Napoleon's French Empire and an alliance of British, Portuguese, and Spanish forces. The war erupted after Napoleon's invasion of Portugal in 1807, which violated the Treaty of Fontainebleau and sparked widespread resistance.

By 1810, the British army under the command of the Duke of Wellington had established a strong defensive position in Portugal. Napoleon, determined to break this stalemate, ordered Marshal Masséna to invade Portugal with a massive army of 65,000 soldiers.

The Bussaco Campaign

In September 1810, Masséna's army crossed the Spanish border and advanced into Portugal. Wellington, aware of the French threat, prepared to meet them at the Serra do Bussaco, a strategic mountain range that offered a strong defensive position.

On September 27th, the two armies clashed on the slopes of Bussaco. The British, with the advantage of higher ground and superior firepower, inflicted heavy losses on the French. Masséna's attack was repulsed, and he was forced to retreat.

Sharpe's Escape

During the battle, Richard Sharpe, a skilled rifleman in the 95th Rifles, found himself separated from his unit. As the French advanced, he was surrounded and outnumbered. With no hope of escape, he used his rifle as a club and fought his way through the enemy ranks.

Sharpe's escape was a remarkable feat of courage and determination. He was wounded several times, but he managed to break through the French lines and rejoin his comrades. His actions inspired his fellow soldiers and boosted morale at a critical moment in the battle.

Sharpe's escape became a legendary tale, passed down through generations of British soldiers. It exemplified the bravery and tenacity that characterized the British army during the Peninsular War.

Literary Representation

Bernard Cornwell immortalized Sharpe's escape in his Sharpe series of historical novels. In the novel "Sharpe's Escape," Cornwell provides a detailed and gripping account of the events that unfolded at Bussaco, with Sharpe as the central protagonist.

Cornwell's novel stays faithful to the historical record while adding fictional elements that enhance the drama and excitement of the story. He vividly describes the battle scenes, the camaraderie among the soldiers, and the personal trials and tribulations of Sharpe.

Through Cornwell's writing, Sharpe's escape becomes not only a tale of historical significance but also a compelling human story of courage, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of the British infantry.

Significance

Sharpe's escape during the Bussaco Campaign was a significant event for both historical and literary reasons.

Historical Significance

It demonstrated the courage and determination of the British army in the face of overwhelming odds.
It boosted morale and gave the British a psychological advantage in the ongoing Peninsular War.
It contributed to the legend of Richard Sharpe, a fearless and resourceful soldier who became an enduring symbol of the British fighting spirit.

Literary Significance

Cornwell's novel, "Sharpe's Escape," has introduced the Bussaco Campaign and Sharpe's role in it to a wide readership.
The novel has helped popularize historical fiction and has increased interest in the Peninsular War.
It has provided a compelling and accessible way for people to connect with the human side of warfare and the sacrifices made by soldiers throughout history.

Sharpe's escape during the Bussaco Campaign of 1810 stands as a testament to the bravery and resilience of the British army. It is an event that has been immortalized in both history and literature, inspiring generations and providing a vivid glimpse into the human drama of war.

Through the writings of Bernard Cornwell, Sharpe's escape has become a timeless tale of courage, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit that defines the British military tradition.