Bernard Cornwell · 2007 · overland

Bernard Cornwell's novel of the Battle of Barrosa, March 1811. Cadiz is besieged, the last free corner of Spain and full of politics - and letters exist that could destroy the alliance if they are printed. Sharpe is caught up in the ambassadors' business, and then in a battle in which a British force is left unsupported on open ground.

1. 1
   Cadiz

   Cadiz holds out at the end of its causeway, the seat of a Spanish government with almost no country left - a city of embassies, newspapers and intrigue where a bundle of indiscreet letters is worth more than a regiment.

2. 2
   The Sancti Petri

   An allied force lands south of the city to break the siege from behind, crossing the Sancti Petri channel - and the Spanish commander then marches away and leaves the British brigades strung out on the shore.

3. 3
   Barrosa

   On the ridge at Barrosa two small British brigades turn and attack a French force twice their size uphill, and break it - taking the first French Eagle ever captured in the field, and gaining nothing whatever strategically.