The Autobiography of Sir Harry Smith 1787-1819

Like any major conflict, the Peninsular War had its fair share of tragedy and horror, but it is largely remembered now for its gallantry and adventure and for the sheer joie de vivre of the young officers and men who took part.
In this respect, Sir Harry Smith stands out as one of the best known personalities of the period and his Autobiography ranks among the great classics of the war. One of its most memorable aspects is Harry Smith's meeting with his future wife, Juana, at the Siege of Badajoz, which is also vividly described in John Kincaid's Adventures in the Rifle Brigade. John Kincaid fell in love with her, and he ruefully describes how she was carried off by a 'more impudent fellow', Harry Smith. Their relationship through the years on campaign made such a profound impression that it was fictionalised by Georgette Heyer in The Spanish Bride.
Since Harry Smith served both with the regiment in the field and, after being wounded, as a staff officer, not only do we have the benefit of first-hand accounts of action at the sharp end but also descriptions of Wellington and his staff at headquarters, providing a more complete picture than many other memoirs.