Coatee of General Sir William Napier

Napier's early career was helped by Sir John Moore, who secured him a captaincy in the 43rd (Monmouthshire) Light Infantry. Napier fought with the rearguard during the retreat to Corunna, and went on to serve with distinction in Wellington's Army. He was severely wounded in 1811 when a musket ball lodged against his spine, but recovered sufficiently to command the 43rd in the battles of Salamanca and Nivelle.

In addition to his military achievements in the Peninsular War (1808-1814), Napier gained further fame as its historian. He wrote a six volume history of the war, which was published between 1828 and 1840 and widely translated. Napier died in 1860, aged 75.