Carole Divall

The Napoleonic experience with the 30th Foot

Welcome to my website. Here you can find information regarding my first book, “Redcoats Against Napoleon“, and articles which I shall publish here on a monthly basis. You will also find here my “Stop Press” page which gives details  of forthcoming events as well as highlighting updates to this web site.

Pam Norfolk, who reviews books for the Lancashire evening post, has reviewed the book and her comments are very favourable. Of “Redcoats against Napoleon” she says:

“…comprehensive and immaculately researched book takes us far beyond Waterloo and into the blood, guts and drama of other key battles and events in the regiment’s long history.

She brings us a welcome new perspective on the Peninsular Wars including Massena’s retreat from the Lines of Torres Vedras, the bloody storming of Badajoz and the retreat from Burgos.

Based on some previously unpublished and vivid memoirs left by the men themselves and those they fought alongside, this is a revealing and humbling insight into the lives of British soldiers over 200 years of action-packed history.

Don’t miss it!”

To see the complete review of the book by Pam Norfolk in the Lancashire Evening Post please click here.

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In another review, Keith Oliver, who is the Research Officer for the Napoleonic Association (see: my link) has researched the book and writes:

For those fortunate to have heard Carole speak of the 30^th Regiment at our annual conferences there can be no doubt of the time, effort and sheer enthusiasm she has put into researching this regiment……..

…………has told a tale which has remained untold for too long, and provides an insight into those units upon whom Wellington depended for his victories, but upon whom history has cast a veil. That veil has now been lifted and this book is heartily commended to anyone with an interest in the redcoat regiments of Wellington’s army.

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My first book, “Redcoats against Napoleon” was published on 19 March 2009. Use my link to the publishers, Messrs. Pen and Sword, or Amazon where you can order your copy if you wish.

As well as this you might care to read  one of the articles I publish at regular intervals. The latest piece tells the story of the Court Martial in Portugal of Quartermaster John Foster Kingsley, 30th Regiment, who had to assert himself, perhaps a little over and above what was normally expected, in order to achieve his objectives. There are also articles about the 30th taking an Eagle at Salamanca, and Thomas Walker Chambers, a distinguished officer of the 30th Foot. I would welcome your comments on these items.