Recollections of Rifleman Harris by Benjamin Harris

The Recollections of Benjamin Harris are the classic memoirs of a foot soldier during the Napoleonic Wars, originally published in 1848.

With personal anecdotes, quick wit and vivid descriptions, The Recollections of Benjamin Harris is one of the few surviving accounts of military service from the Napoleonic era. 

The memoir charts Harris’s years of active service from joining the 95th Rifles in Ireland, to the Peninsular Wars of Northern Spain.

Harris recollects the gripping campaign at Copenhagen, the engagement at the Battle of Rolica, the gruelling march to Salamanca and, finally, culminates with the Battle of Corunna. 

A personal military account from the eyes of a foot soldier, it offers a unique insight into the Napoleonic wars.


“Wonderful memoirs... A piercing eye, a talent for description, and a constant good humour” – Bernard Cornwell