Making the British Army Officer

Dr Kevin Linch explores the personal and professional lives of British Army officers during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.

The French Revolutionary Wars and the ensuing Napoleonic Wars are seminal periods in world history. The British Army played a significant role in both.

In conversation with National Army Museum historian Dr Matilda Greig, Dr Kevin Linch will explore the personal and professional lives of the officers in the Army during these momentous conflicts. Drawing on the military records of 40,000 individuals, our speakers will provide new insights into the experiences of the Army across the globe.

Ranging from the renowned Duke of Wellington to the most junior ensign, the discussion will examine the broader context of the Army from 1790 to 1820. It will also consider the families of those who served, seeing how partners, parents and children were impacted by conflict and service in the Army.

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About Dr Kevin Linch

Kevin Linch is Associate Professor of Modern History at the University of Leeds. His research focuses on the social and cultural history of Britain’s armed forces in the 18th and 19th centuries. 

He is currently researching for a project funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council titled Re-archiving the Individual: British Army Officers, 1790-1820.