Leadership

From Wellington to Napoleon, from an infantry sergeant to a cavalry officer, the immense importance of leadership, especially when leading men into battle is a recurring theme in this book.

The respect and admiration of the top leaders Napoleon and Wellington, contrasts dramatically with that of the Prince of Orange. At a more subordinate level, the failure in leadership of Colonel Ford, of the Prince of Wale's Own Volunteers and the actions of Sharpe in stemming a potential retreat illustrate the desire for and recognition of, effective leadership by the ordinary soldier.

Effective leadership means taking a realistic approach to the dangers at hand. Witness Sharpe's initiative in leading his men to run to the woods in the face of a cavalry attack for which they were not prepared. In contrast, recklessness sometimes pays off; for example, at the taking of Charleroi, the French cavalry officer shows that...