Jan 30 2009
Biography
Carole Divall, author of Redcoats Against Napoleon
My name is Carole Divall. I have an interest in history, particularly in the Napoleonic era (an interest which extends to the politics and literature of the period). This interest stems principally from studies for my first degree, English and History combined honours at Southampton, but the fact that my maternal grandfather was a professional soldier probably has some bearing on the military slant, since I grew up hearing his soldiers’ tales.
People often ask: “Why Napoleonic, and especially why the 30th Foot?”. The simple answer is that I am not entirely sure, other than the fact that some years ago I decided to turn a general interest in the military history of the period into something more specific and I just seemed to focus on this particular regiment. Once I began to explore the records of the regiment, however, I was hooked, and I now feel that I know some of the men almost as well as my “real” friends and family. Of course, with so much information, it was probably inevitable that I would want to write a book, and “Redcoats against Napoleon” is the result. Although not the end, I hope, since I am now working on a second volume which goes “behind the colours” to chart the private life of the regiment.
On a personal basis, I can tell you that I am married with three grown-up children. I live in Lincolnshire, and for a long time I was head of English at a local girls’ high school. Yes, English - despite having studied a combined degree course, I kept the history interest as a hobby. I now work part-time at the same school.
i have just read your book. and looked at site . which i found very interesting The reneactments are done as you would imaginge as the real thing. But maybe you could help me. I have a small collection of napoleonic figures manily french. They are hand painted models made from white metal cast kits from the model makers Anrea. Meatal models. Pegaso. who are all first rate model craftsmen. But i would like to sell them. As i am on tight budget. If you can think of any one who may be interested maybe you could ask them to contact me . Anyway thanks for the read and good luck with any futher books. Dave Budden
Hi Dave,
Glad to read you have enjoyed the book and my web site. If you look again at the web site on the gallery page you will find a new set of pictures from the Waltham Abbey event, and on my video page there are two new videos. I’ll let you find out for yourself what they are, but I can tell you than one will make you duck and the other will make you laugh.
To sell your metal military figures I suggest you contact Wes Miles who is the publicity officer for the Napoleonic Association. For contact details go to http://www.45eme.co.uk.
Alternatively contact Keith Oliver, Research Officer for the NA. You can get there by following the link on my web site.
Hope that is helpful, and that you enjoy the revised web site.
Best wishes,
Carole
Hi Carol
I understand that we will both be at the Napoleonic Weekend at Dorchester, I look forward to seeing you there. I am sure you know of the small booklet I produced on the 30th ‘Ensign Carter’s Journal’.
Can I ask you to also look at putting my website on yours as a link? I can do the same for you on mine.
Anyway looking forward to talking to you on Saturday.
Gareth Glover
Hi Gareth,
Good to hear from you. We’ll get a chance to talk more at the weekend, but in the meantime I have linked to your web site.
Best wishes,
Carole
Thanks Carol, will do same for you on my site, but tried link on your page and doesn’t open
Hi Carole,
Your daughter in Uni Nottingham told me about your book. I have exhaustively read the Patrick O’Briain Napoleonic Naval Historical novels, which I find brilliant.
Did you ever think that the foot-soldiers deserved such detailed treatment in historical novels beyond that of ‘Sharpe’ & Bernard Cornwell, but brilliant literature too?
Best wishes,
Matt
Hi Matt,
Good of you to write. Yes, I agree with you, there are no novels about the infantry that match O’Brien’s superbly detailed treatment of the Navy. Nevertheless Bernard Cornwell tells a good story – often based on actual events with his man Sharpe slotted neatly into the action!
Best wishes, Carole