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The Sharpe Fan Fictions of Paul K.

Bernard Cornwell’s

Sharpe's Island

Richard Sharpe and the
Expedition for Manila


This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents and dialogues are products of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead is entirely coincidental.
SHARPE’S ISLAND. Copyright © 2024 by Paul Kaster


Sharpe’s Island is for
Lt. Col. (Ret.) Paul Kaster, Jr. who graduated from Marine Expeditionary Warfare School (MEWS)
And
Bernard Cornwell who brought Richard Sharpe into our world.


Chapter 6


1797 October
Prince of Wales Island (Penang)


Arthur Wesley watches his regiment ‘defend’ the frond frond line with their blank cartridges. When colonel Aston of the 12th regiment heard how Wesley was training the 33rd, he asked if he could train the same way. Wesley and Aston had worked a plan where both regiments would march, change formations, shoot and advance together. Wesley liked that they trained as a brigade. Moving almost two thousand men on a battlefield is not easy. But for almost a month now, they had been training and repeating the drills.

“Aston, we have done well with these men. When we return to India, the time will come before too long to show what they can do.”

“Yes, Wesley. Navy says the winds can change any day. When they are happy, we will leave.”

“Stuck here by winds. Used the time the best we could. I think it is time to go.”

“And I.”



Sharpe marched from the training field one more time.

“Men look like real soldiers, Tom. We don’t have our pretty red coats, stocks or powdered hair. We still have pipe-clayed belts and blacked boots. Top hats are worn many ways. But, we march and fight like machines.”

“Aye, Dick. Pity the enemy when we meet them.”

“Soon, Tom. Too soon, maybe. Lost some good men in Netherlands. Will lose some in India, too.”

They marched to the docks and prepared to board the boats. A ripple of motion came from the command staff. Men began to chatter.

“What’s going on, Mister Fitzgerald?”

“Word’s come. We leave tomorrow. Navy says winds are good. We leave this island. Return to India.”

“Two months on this island, Dick. Two months to finish our training from Ireland.”

“Aye, Tom. Many lessons learned here. Will remember this place.”

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