Author: David Rooney

Publisher: Pen and Sword

Published: 2009-04-21

Total Pages: 284

ISBN-13: 1844685764

An absorbing historical biography of the couple wed amid the chaos of the Napoleonic wars and their adventures from Europe to Asia to South Africa. The manner of their meeting was unprecedented. In 1812, during the lawless mayhem that followed the capture of Badajoz, Spain, by Wellington, a fourteen-year-old Spanish girl sought the protection of Captain Harry Smith. They fell in love and married shortly after. From then on, their lives and careers were inextricably linked and Juana not only followed her able, brave, and ambitious husband but built her own formidable reputation. This biography of the couple describes their lives together starting with the remaining battles of the Peninsular War. Harry Smith was already a favorite of Wellington, who insisted most unusually on giving away Juana in marriage. His card was marked and his career prospered. He distinguished himself in numerous campaigns and theaters. Most particularly he was credited with the victory at Aliwali in India. It is, however, the couple’s achievements and legacy in South Africa for which they have become most noted, after the exceptional circumstances of their first meeting. Travelers to the country are reminded of this by the towns named after them—Ladysmith and Harrismith. They would even become the inspiration for a 1940 romance novel by Georgette Heyer. This carefully researched biography, with illustrations included, tells their real story in fascinating historical detail.