Can a Soldier Like Richard Sharpe Aspirations be Fulfilled in Real Life?

Throughout history, there are numerous examples of individuals who began their military careers as privates and eventually rose to the rank of colonel through merit and determination. These stories are often highlighted in popular culture, particularly in the CW Netflix series Sharp, where the main character, Richard Sharpe, is raised from the ranks of the British Army to become a colonel by the end of the series. Is there any historical precedent for such a scenario?

For the period surrounding the Napoleonic Wars, it is essential to understand the conditions and norms of the time. While battle field promotions were rare, there were instances where soldiers were recognized for their merit and achieved significant ranks. However, the majority of officers, especially high-ranking positions, were typically purchased or inherited.

The Case of the Cold War

During the Cold War period of the 1970s and 1980s, several individuals who started their careers as privates subsequently rose to become officers. One notable example is Enoch Powell, who joined the British Army as a private in 1939 and by 1945 he was a brigadier. Such examples highlight that while uncommon, it was not entirely unheard of for soldiers to achieve high ranks.

The French Military Experience

The French military of the Napoleonic era provided a more favorable environment for soldiers to rise through the ranks based on merit. Marshal Jean Lannes, who began as an infantry sergeant major, is a prime example of such a success story. Similarly, Marshal Michel Ney started as a common trooper in the hussars, Marshal Jean-Baptiste Bessières was an infantry captain, and Marshal Louis Nicolas Davout was a common soldier before rising to significant ranks.

In Napoleon Bonaparte's own words, 'every soldier carries a marshal’s baton in his knapsack,' emphasizing the recognition of merit and hard work. It is noteworthy to mention that 25 out of the 26 marshals of the Napoleonic Wars had once been ordinary soldiers. This clearly illustrates the potential for soldiers to fulfill their aspirations through merit and dedication, albeit with significant obstacles.

British Military Conditions During the Napoleonic Wars

In the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars, opportunities for soldiers to rise through the ranks were limited. There were three primary ways for an infantry or cavalry officer to gain promotion: seniority, merit, and purchase. While most officers were commissioned young, sergeants had a greater chance to receive a commission through merit as long as they were literate and numerate. However, ex-sergeants faced numerous challenges in advancing beyond staff positions such as regimental quartermasters, and commanding troops in action was rare.

Once a soldier was commissioned, it was difficult to further advance, particularly due to the practice of purchasing higher ranks. This meant that unless an ex-sergeant married well, got lucky with loot, or was a ‘gentleman ranker’ with a private income, purchasing a rank was the only viable way to rise. Therefore, while theoretically possible, it would have been practically very unlikely for an enlisted man to reach the rank of colonel through the battlefield alone.

Exceptional Cases and Foreign Commissions

There are some exceptional cases where soldiers eventually rose to high ranks. However, these situations were rare. For Richard Sharpe in the series Sharp, his rapid advancement was somewhat contingent on special circumstances, such as taking temporary command due to the death of his superiors. By the time the campaigns concluded, his permanent rank was still captain, though he received a considerable degree of local brevets. During the Waterloo campaign, he was granted a colonel’s commission in the Dutch army, a scenario not uncommon during that period. Many British ex-sergeants were also commissioned into the Portuguese army, achieving higher ranks there than they could have in the British Army.

In conclusion, while soldiers like Richard Sharpe can theoretically aspire to high ranks through merit and determination, historical realities often present significant obstacles. The British and French military norms of the Napoleonic era reflect the challenges soldiers faced, with battlefield promotions being rare and commissions typically requiring purchase.

Key Takeaways

Richard Sharpe: A fictional character in Sharp who ascends through the ranks. Napoleonic Wars: A period with few battlefield promotions and common purchasing of commissions. French Military: Acknowledges talented and dedicated soldiers through merit and purchase. British Army: Limited promotion opportunities for ex-sergeants, with seniority and purchase being primary methods.

References

Ball, J.W. (2004). British Army 1789–1889: A Reference Guide. Strawberry Press.

Weller, Jack (2006). Napoleon As Military Commander. Pearson.

Gunther, John (1940). The Czar’s Army. Harper and Brothers.

Scott, David M. (2003). Napoleon’ The Promotion of Officers in his Imperial Army. Manchester University Press.