A series of 12 programmes presented bv Rene Cutforth 3: The Scum of the Earth
In this third programme we hear how Wellington has been much misunderstood for using that famous phrase about his Peninsular army of 1808-14. What he actually said was this: Our army is composed of the scum of the earth. People talk of their enlisting from their fine military feeling - all stuff - no such thing. Some of our men enlist from having got bastard children, some for minor offences, many more for drink.
He wasn't far wrong, but he added this sentence which is usually omitted:
It is really wonderful that we should have made them the fine fellows they are. With Other parts JACK CARR. JOHN BULL KERRY FRANCIS , DENIS MCCARTHY PETER PACEY , PETER TUDDENHAM HECTOR ROSS , STEPHEN THORNE PAUL GAYMON. BETTY BASKCOMB Musical direction by CHARLES CHILTON
Singer CHARLES YOUNG
Written and produced by ROBERT CRADOCK in association with the National Army Museum