Waiting in the Wings

At the age of fifteen William Hicks joined the 1st Battalion of the 27th Regiment of Foot (the Inniskillings) as a drummer in 1798. Throughout the Napoleonic Wars they were often in the shadows waiting for their moment of glory. Their roles varied from holding the fort against the French to acting as a decoy for Wellington in the Peninsula participating in skirmishes and minor battles. However these experiences were leading up to one final triumph. Through William's story we gain insight into the everyday life of a foot soldier during this era: his adventures challenges and lessons learned as he travels through diverse lands. Each new destination offers a different climate culture and scenery to discover. Join William on his journey to Egypt Malta Sicily Spain and North America culminating in their ultimate destination: Waterloo.