A bit dry but a fascinating time where thousands of British men traveled to South American to help free them from Spanish rule. Some prospered and did very well for themselves. Some tried to make money off the opportunity. More died or were impoverished. Their impact as infantry units was massive as they fought Spanish regiments sent from Spain and beat them. They played key roles in many of the campaigns.

Looking back perhaps the saddest part of the story is how in the countries they helped free the people who were most helped have forgotten them as they have been written out of their history books.


Behold with price you hallowed isle
Where freedom's root has thriven
Your march is sanctioned by her smile,
And cheer'ed by that of heaven
To plant the tree
Of Liberty
Is ever hail'd on high:
Then falter none
But sally on
To conquer or to die.

-George Chesterton in 1818. Written on the way to fight the Spanish with Bolivar and sung by British volunteers. ( )