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OVER THE HILLS AND FAR AWAY by Daren Norris
BOOK AVAILABLE IN NOVEMBER 2005
After some sixteen years of research the author presents this account of the life and times of his Great, Great, Great Grandfather Thomas Norris who was born in Watford in 1778 and who served with the 57th of Foot, (The West Middlesex Regiment) from 1803 to 1816. This book charts all the major events of Thomas’s very colourful and courageous life and in particular it retraces his steps in the Peninsula War against Napoleon’s “Grande Armie” in the early part of the nineteenth century. Private Thomas Norris was present at the famous and seemingly impossible British victory at the battle of Albuhera in western Spain. Outnumbered almost five to one, this is where the 57th regiment earned their nickname “the Die Hards” due to their distinction in battle and heavy losses on the 16th May 1811. By the end of this terrible engagement, two thirds of the regiment lay strewn across the battlefield, all with their wounds to the front. The battle honour ‘ALBUHERA’ was to remain synonymous with this proud regiment for over 160 years until its eventual disbandment in 1973. The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment maintains the anniversary of this battle as a prominent date in the military calendar, with a full service of remembrance at St Paul’s Cathedral on “Albuhera Day” each year. Thomas Norris went on to fight with the 57th Regiment at the other famous Peninsula battles of Vittoria, The Pyrenees, Nive, Nivelle and Toulouse, emerging victorious in each of them and finally forcing Napoleon’s abdication in 1814.
During the course of this research, the author and his brother visited the village at Albuhera or “La Albuera” as it is known in Spain. They have developed a strong and lasting relationship with the locals, who now regard them as part of what they call “La Familia Grande” – The Big Family. The battle is powerfully re-enacted in Napoleonic period costume by local families and visitors from abroad on the anniversary, attracting thousands of people to this remote and very beautiful region of Spain each year. The British continue to be held in high esteem due to the efforts of our ancestors in helping to free Spain from French rule all those years ago. This is one place in the world we can still be proud to say we are British. This book goes on to explain the various genealogical research techniques used to accurately trace the story of Thomas’s life and gives a brief history of the regiment with which he served.
A donation will be made from the proceeds of this book to help fund urgent renovation and maintenance work at the British Army cemetery at the Chapel of San Juan in Elvas, Portugal, where those lost in the battle of Albuhera were taken for burial almost 200 years ago. These are thought to be among the oldest British Army war graves in existence. A service is held at the chapel in May each year to coincide with the annual week of Napoleonic themed festivities at La Albuera, just a few miles away. A contribution will also be made from the proceeds to help fund the battle museum at the main village square in La Albuera. Please accept my sincere thanks for supporting this cause, which has been arranged in association with the “Friends of the British Cemetery at Elvas” charity.
BOOK PRICE IS 10.00 POUNDS AVAILABLE FROM THE AUTHOR. PLEASE EMAIL "daren.norris@osborne.co.uk" via the link provided to order a copy.
Send E-Mail to: daren.norris@osborne.co.uk
Copyright © 2008 Daren Wayne Norris. All Rights Reserved