THOMAS PLUNKETT OF THE 95TH RIFLES: HERO, VILLAIN, FACT OR FICTION?

1-192350

This book, being a combination of new research by George Caldwell and together with the Captain Miller memoir reset from issues of the Royal United Services Journal, investigates the facts surrounding a piece of famous regimental lore that covers the unique ability of an early Rifleman, Thomas Plunkett. Discussion groups and individuals have put all kinds of fanciful theories together as to the prowess and accuracy of an incident on the retreat to Corunna in 1809, involving the shooting of the French Light Cavalry General, Colbert.

This book examines the facts involved, while at the same time it expands on Plunkett the man, his character and his natural trait as a soldier. Plunkett was without doubt an exceptional shot with the rifle, a lovable Irish rogue, who seems to have ticked all the right boxes for what has become acceptable for the stereotype Rifleman of the 95th Rifles during the Napoleonic Wars. This fascinating account of the one rifleman who has escaped publication so far is a must for all enthusiasts of the Rifles in the Peninsular War.