The Extraordinary Life of Major George Simmons: Rifleman, Soldier, and Storyteller

The British Rifleman, Major George Simmons, was not only a brave soldier on the frontlines but also a prolific writer. His journals and correspondence provide us with a unique glimpse into the life of a rifleman during the 19th century. This article delves into the fascinating stories, challenges, and triumphs that Major Simmons experienced during his military career.

The Early Years

Maj. George Simmons was born on December 3, 1805, in the small village of Darley Abbey, England. From an early age, he showed a keen interest in firearms and marksmanship. His father, an avid hunter, taught him the art of shooting, leading to Simmons developing extraordinary skills with a rifle.

A British Rifleman - the Journals and Correspondence of Major George Simmons, Rifle Brigade, during the Peninsular war and the campaign of Waterloo

by Carsten Greve (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2099 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	387 pages

FREE

Joining the British Army

In 1822, at the age of 17, Simmons joined the British Army. His exceptional marksmanship skills caught the attention of his superiors, and soon he found himself serving as a rifleman in the 95th Rifles Regiment.

The Crimean War

Simmons' deployment to the Crimean War in 1854 was a turning point in his military career. His journals reveal the horrors of war, as he describes the intense battles, harsh conditions, and the devastating impact on both the soldiers and civilians.

Letters from the Battlefield

Throughout his time in the Crimea, Major Simmons regularly corresponded with his family back in England. These letters offer a personal and emotional account of the realities of war. He vividly describes the camaraderie among his fellow soldiers, the fear and uncertainty they faced, and their unwavering determination to protect their country.

The Siege of Sevastopol

One of the most notable events in Major Simmons' career was the Siege of Sevastopol. His first-hand accounts of the brutal fighting and the subsequent victory provide a gripping narrative of the heroic efforts made by the British soldiers.

Return to England

After the Crimean War, Major Simmons returned to England and was promoted to the rank of Major. Despite his physical and emotional scars from the war, he continued his service, training new recruits and sharing his experiences with future generations of soldiers.

Legacy and Recognition

Major George Simmons' journals and correspondence were published posthumously under the title "British Rifleman: The Journals And Correspondence Of Major George Simmons Rifle." The book has since become a valuable resource for historians and military enthusiasts, offering valuable insights into the life of a rifleman during the 19th century.

Major George Simmons stands as a testament to the bravery and resilience of the British Rifleman. His journals and correspondence provide an invaluable account of the challenges faced by soldiers during the 19th century. Through his writing, Simmons demonstrates the power of storytelling to preserve history and inspire future generations.

A British Rifleman - the Journals and Correspondence of Major George Simmons, Rifle Brigade, during the Peninsular war and the campaign of Waterloo

by Carsten Greve (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2099 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	387 pages

FREE

The journals and correspondence of George Simmons add a further lustre to the excellent memoirs and books that men of the 95th Rifles left of the adventures, hard fought actions and grim experiences of the Peninsular War and the Waterloo Campaign. Simmons was commissioned into the 1st Battalion 95th Rifles, a fellow officer of Sir John Kincaid and Sir Harry Smith both of whom left valuable memoirs of the period. A religious and upright man, although not priggish, he kept a journal of the actions movement and events of his life and sent numerous letters home to his family in Hull. These form the narrative which has been ordered by Lt. Col. Verner to flow in sequence through his time fighting Napoleon’s forces.
Simmons, and his brothers who often crop up in the volume, was at the forefront of the fighting engaged in by the Light Brigade and later Light Division. He was wounded a number of times, once so seriously at Waterloo as a result of a musket wound to the chest, that his attendants though he might die. He took part in the battles of Fuentes D’Oñoro, Salamanca, Vittoria, the Nivelle, Orthez and finally Waterloo. The storming of Badajoz, Cuidad Rodrigo are also described in vivid detail missing nothing of the fear, death and mayhem of the attacking troops; to give just one excerpt of the action:-
I saw my poor friend Major O'Hare lying dead upon the breach. Two or three musket balls had passed through his breast. A gallant fellow, Sergeant Flemming, was also dead by his side, a man who had always been with him. I called to remembrance poor O'Hare's last words just before he marched off to lead the advance. He shook me by the hand saying, "A Lieutenant-Colonel or cold meat in a few hours." I was now gazing upon his body lying stretched and naked amongst thousands more.
An excellent read, contemporaneously written and abounding with interesting details.
Author – Major George Simmons [1785-1858]
Editor – Lt.-Col Willoughby Cole Verner [1852-1922]