Of Living Valour

For the first time a modern British historian tells the story of the against-the-odds triumph through the accounts of the regimental officers and soldiers whose bravery and resolution achieved victory. The author has used many unpublished sources, letters and diaries of ordinary British soldiers, in the vein of Stephen Ambrose's highly successful Band of Brothers.

With a concise, fast-moving account covering, ex-Commander of the British Army Barney White-Spunner tells the story through the experiences of those who fought there and their families, offering his unique perspective on the events. The story focuses on mens' personal feelings and their relationships, with each other, their families, their leaders and their enemies. It tells the stories of their lives, what they had left behind and why and what they went back to. It vividly captures their daily routine, their life in camp and how they fought at first hand, their fear, excitement and exhaustion.

The Battle of Waterloo was one of the most significant ever fought by a British army, but it was also one of the most bloody with about 50,000 men losing their lives over three days. What was it like for those who fought and for their families waiting at home? This is their story.

About the Author

Educated at Eton College and the University of St Andrews, Barney White-Spunner was commissioned in 1979. He was appointed Commanding Officer of the Household Cavalry in 1996 and became Chief of Joint Force Operations for the national contingent in the Middle East in 2003. He was made Commander of the British Field Army in 2009, which post he held until December 2011 when he retired. He was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2002 and Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) in the 2011 Birthday Honours.

He began his literary career writing for The Field in 1992 and became editor of Baily's Hunting Directory in 1994. He is also the author of a history of the Horse Guards.