Internationally best-selling author of historical fiction, Bernard Cornwell OBE, joined Lieutenant General Sir Tom Copinger-Symes KCB CBE at an exclusive Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) event to launch his new novel, Sharpe’s Storm.
Bernard generously donated his time to support the Army Benevolent Fund’s work by speaking at the event at the Cavalry and Guards Club, Piccadilly on 29th October. A long-standing supporter of the ABF, Bernard was in conversation with Lieutenant General Sir Tom Copinger-Symes KCB CBE, who is Deputy Commander of Cyber and Specialist Operations Command and Colonel Commandant of The Rifles, the fictional Sharpe’s regiment.
The event saw the launch of Sharpe’s Storm, the latest instalment in the hugely popular Sharpe series. During the evening, Bernard explored with Sir Tom his inspiration for the novel and its eponymous hero, describing his long-held fascination with the first Duke of Wellington and British military history from the Napoleonic wars. Sir Tom also linked reflections on the most famous fictional Rifleman and the changes in the British Army’s approach to warfighting that resulted from the introduction into the order of battle of The Rifles during the Peninsula campaign, to modern innovation in warfare, and the British Army’s thinking now and for the future.
The event was attended by a host of ABF supporters, including serving Riflemen and Army representatives, major donors and corporate partners; as well as some of the charities the ABF funds, such as Reading Force, which supports Army families with reading resources and activities, and Waterloo Uncovered, which uses archaeology to support veterans’ recovery, education and wellbeing.
Bernard Cornwell said: “I was delighted to be able to launch Sharpe’s Storm with the Army Benevolent Fund at the Cavalry & Guards Club, and to be able to meet current and former British Army soldiers, for whom I have such great respect and admiration.
“It is always a pleasure to support the ABF as its work helps ensure soldiers, veterans, and their families can avoid hardship and live with independence and dignity.”
Lieutenant General Sir Tom Copinger-Symes KCB CBE said: “It was a privilege to join Bernard Cornwell at this very special event, together with friends and colleagues from the Army Benevolent Fund, its supporters, veterans and fellow members of the British Army. As a Rifleman, I want particularly to thank Bernard for sharing with us his interest in this historic turning point in the British Army’s approach to warfare and how this links with its continuing innovation today.”
Peter Monteith, Chief Operating Officer of the Army Benevolent Fund, said:
“We are very grateful to Bernard Cornwell and Sir Tom for joining the ABF at this special event; our supporters very much valued the opportunity to hear their fascinating conversation and ask questions.
“Events such as this help the ABF communicate its support for the Army family – over the past year alone we have assisted more than 80,000 people in 52 countries, spending £9.2m on benevolence. We are so grateful to all our supporters, many of whom were guests this evening, whose generous and enduring support means we can continue to be there for soldiers, for life.”
To purchase a copy of the novel and support soldiers, veterans and their families, visit the ABF’s shop: Sharpe’s Storm: Book 19 by Bernard Cornwell – Army Benevolent Fund