Twenty-Five Years in the Rifle Brigade

"Twenty-Five Years in the Rifle Brigade" by William Surtees is a firsthand narrative of a soldier’s life during the late 1700s and early 1800s. The story follows the author as he goes from a young man eager for adventure to a seasoned Quartermaster in the Rifle Brigade. He fights in major campaigns, like those in Holland and the Peninsular War. Readers learn about the difficulties soldiers faced, the change from being a civilian to a military role, and the growth into a disciplined British fighting force. The book provides a close-up look at military life through personal experiences, tough conditions, and Surtees' own sense of duty.