The South Essex continues to serve throughout the Peninsular Campaign, with Sharpe in command of its Light Company, which incorporates his remaining Riflemen.
After Lawford is wounded during the storming of Ciudad Rodrigo in 1812, he is replaced by Col. Brian Windham, who is ambushed and killed by a treacherous French officer outside Salamanca.
Girdwood suffers a nervous breakdown during the Battle of Nivelle, as the South Essex Regiment joins the British Army's invasion of French territory.
After the Battle of Toulouse and Napoleon's abdication, Sharpe leaves the Regiment and settles in Normandy with his French lover, Lucille Castineau.
As the French army breaks, Lord Wellington confirms Sharpe in command of the regiment and orders it to join the general advance of the British line.