Ian Fletcher

Ian Fletcher is one of the leading authorities on the Peninsular War and Wellington’s army. Born in London in 1957, his first book, In Hell Before Daylight, was published in 1984, since when he has written or edited almost thirty others. A Fellow of the International Napoleonic Society he ran a battlefield tour company for twenty years before calling it a day in 2018. His guests included the present Duke of Wellington as well as celebrities like Andrew Roberts, the late Sir Donald Sinden and the late Michael Barry. Ian has appeared on The History Channel's 'Line of Fire' and 'Sharpe's War' series, Channel 4's 'Revolutionary Wars' series and also in an award-winning Russian documentary about the Crimean War. In 2000 he was awarded the prize for 'The Most Significant Individual Contribution to the Study of Napoleonic History' by the Napoleonic Association. In 2015 he was commissioned by the Royal Mail to write the text for the booklet which accompanied the special stamps which marked the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo.

Works by Ian Fletcher:

In Hell Before Daylight

The Waters of Oblivion

Letters from the Front

Gentlemen’s Sons

A Guards Officer in the Peninsula

Craufurd’s Light Division

Fields of Fire

Wellington’s Regiments

Wellington’s Foot Guards

For King and Country

Napoleonic Wars; Wellington’s Army

Salamanca 1812

In the Service of the King

Vitoria 1813

Aspects of the Peninsular War

Badajoz 1812

Galloping at Everything

Bloody Albuera!

Voices from the Peninsula

A Desperate Business

Fortresses of the Peninsular War

The Lines of Torres Vedras

Campaigns of Wellington

Robert Craufurd: The Man and the Myth

A Crimean Winter of Discontent

Co-written with Natalia Ishchenko:

The Crimean War

The Battle of the Alma

War in the Crimea

The Matt Deadman novels:

Deadman and the Twelve Days

Deadman on the Tracks

Deadman in the Shadows

Deadman and the Big Edge

What the critics say about some of Ian Fletcher’s works:

Any student of the Peninsular War and the wider era should read this book – it brings to life one of the more complex characters in Wellington's Army and removes the myths and stereotypes that have built up around him. Unless someone discovers a treasure trove of information about Craufurd that Ian Fletcher has missed, I would argue that this is the definitive work. If you're a young officer in The Rifles, I'd pick up a copy as I sense that this will provide a useful reference for future education (as awarded by the Adjutant).

ARRSE (Army Rumour Service)

In writing this book, the author has done exactly what a good biographer should - provided a deeper understanding of his subject's personality and experience, as well as his state of mind when called upon to make certain important decisions, In doing so, the author contradicts in some cases the myths, while in other cases he confirms them. More impressive than this, though, is that Fletcher brings the reader as close as surely must be possible to knowing Robert Craufurd, the man behind the myth.

1/72 Scale Plastic Napoleonic Figures

I had been waiting for this to be published and I was not disappointed. A Tour de force from Ian Fletcher, this has obviously been a long time in the making. This book charts Craufurd's eventful military life and his seldom seen home life. Some great illustrations from Christa Hook help illuminate the story. This is a large tome and well worth reading the 616 pages. This has to be essential reading for all students of the Peninsular War and one of it's most charismatic characters.

Vic Powell Portsmouth Napoleonic Society

‘A thorough addition to the survey of the Peninsular War.’

Spectator

‘a remarkably comprehensive and balanced account of the emotive Waterloo campaign…an invaluable reassessment.’

British Army Review

‘a valuable addition to the study of Wellington’s forces in his two major campaigns in Europe…highly recommended.’

First Empire

‘On the details of engagements Fletcher is especially good, being helped by his numerous site visits…an important addition to the history of the cavalry between 1808 and 1815.’

The Marquess of Anglesey, Royal United Services Institute Journal

‘This book should be read by all cavalrymen, but more especially by those others who, up to now, have accepted the inadequately researched judgments of the past.’

Guards Magazine