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Captain of the 95th Rifles: The Extraordinary Tale of Thomas William Brotherton, Officer of Wellington's Sharpshooters During the Napoleonic Wars

Brian West

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Published in Captain Of The 95th (Rifles) An Officer Of Wellington S Sharpshooters During The Peninsular South Of France And Waterloo Campaigns Of The Napoleonic Wars

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The annals of military history are replete with tales of remarkable courage, leadership, and sacrifice. Among these, the story of Captain Thomas William Brotherton stands out as an exceptional example of unwavering determination, unwavering loyalty, and selfless devotion to duty. As an officer of the renowned 95th Rifles during the tumultuous Napoleonic Wars, Brotherton's exploits on the battlefields of the Iberian Peninsula, France, and the Netherlands earned him both admiration and respect from his comrades and adversaries alike. This article delves into the extraordinary life and career of this legendary officer, illuminating his unwavering spirit and providing insights into the brutal landscapes of the Napoleonic Wars.

A Formative Childhood

Thomas William Brotherton was born on January 23, 1783, into a family of modest means at Salwick Hall in Lancashire, England. His father, Thomas Brotherton, was a cotton manufacturer, while his mother, Margaret, instilled in him a strong moral compass and a deep sense of honor. From an early age, young Thomas displayed an unyielding interest in military affairs, often spending hours studying maps and battle accounts.

Captain of the 95th (Rifles) an Officer of Wellington's Sharpshooters During the Peninsular, South of France and Waterloo Campaigns of the Napoleonic Wars

by Jonathan Leach

4.3 out of 5

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Joining the Army

At the tender age of 16, Brotherton's military aspirations were realized when he joined the 95th Rifles, a regiment renowned for its precision marksmanship and light infantry tactics. The 95th Rifles, popularly known as "the Riflemen," were considered the elite of the British Army, and Brotherton eagerly embraced the rigorous training and strict discipline of the regiment.

The Iberian Peninsula

Brotherton's first taste of combat came in 1808 during the Peninsular War, where he fought valiantly against the invading French forces in Spain and Portugal. As part of Sir John Moore's army, he participated in the harrowing retreat to Corunna, experiencing firsthand the horrors and challenges of warfare.

Valladolid

Brotherton's reputation for bravery was cemented during the Battle of Valladolid in 1809. Leading a company of the 95th Rifles, he launched a daring attack on a fortified French position, capturing the town and earning the respect of the enemy commander, General Kellermann.

Badajoz

The siege of Badajoz in 1812 was one of the bloodiest and most fiercely contested battles of the Peninsular War. Brotherton played a pivotal role in the capture of Fort Picurina, a kluczowy position that proved decisive in the British victory.

France and the Netherlands

After the successful of the Peninsular War, Brotherton and the 95th Rifles were deployed to France, where they fought in the Waterloo Campaign against Napoleon Bonaparte. They subsequently participated in the allied occupation of Paris and the pursuit of the retreating French army into the Netherlands.

Later Life and Legacy

Brotherton retired from the Army in 1821 with the rank of major and settled in Shropshire, England. He dedicated his post-military life to public service, serving as a magistrate and High Sheriff of Shropshire. Brotherton's legacy as a heroic figure in British military history is enduring. His exceptional leadership, courageous spirit, and unwavering loyalty continue to inspire generations of military personnel and history enthusiasts.

The life and career of Captain Thomas William Brotherton serve as a timeless testament to the indomitable spirit of those who serve their country with honor and distinction. As an officer of the 95th Rifles during the Napoleonic Wars, Brotherton's exploits on some of the most horrific battlefields of history are a testament to his unwavering courage, steadfast determination, and selfless devotion to duty. His story is one that will continue to be told and celebrated for generations to come, reminding us of the sacrifices made by those who have fought for our freedoms.

Captain of the 95th (Rifles) an Officer of Wellington's Sharpshooters During the Peninsular, South of France and Waterloo Campaigns of the Napoleonic Wars

by Jonathan Leach

4.3 out of 5