Rifleman Dodd Essay

385 Words2 Pages
Matthew Dodd, A British Rifleman in the 95th foot. Dodd and his fellow English soliders showed nothing but dedication when it came to the mission they wanted to accomplish. They story takes place throughtout the Iberian Peninsula just after the turn of the 18th century. Displaying a level - headed mind, Dodd and his new Portugese allies sabotaged The French Army's bridge on the banks of Zezere. Above all, the courage and humane nature the C.S. Forester portrays in Dodd, as he pushes through French Lines and aids a mentally handicapped boy all while traveling, should be an example to any service member. It is safe to say C.S. Forester puts this tale between 1810 - 1811. This points Dodd combating the French just before their fall at Salamanca in 1812. This leading readers to believe that Dodd's actions changed the Peninsular War. Dodd was not a simple British solider. In fact to say Rifleman Dodd was a simple just moving along behind enemies, is nothing but an understatement. The story holds more than a nature - walk or a historical timeline of a solider. It holds the story of a hero and the hardships he faces when seperated from his company, and the force of leaving the handicapped boy behind due to the boy becoming delirious with pneumonia. Soley focused on his return to the rank and file of the 95th foot, Dodd does find company in a group of Portugese irregulars, who as well as Dodd see the horrors committed by the French Army. Setting the bridge in Zezere on fire, he felt no remorse, to live and fight one more day Dodd knew all this was done for the right to return to his company. This tale shows a solider's fight not only for glory, but for the right to fight along the side of his brothers. C.S. Forester shows what true commitment is capable of when tested. Matthew Dodd and his tale is an excellent example of values the Marine Corps instil into all their men. For
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