The Prince of Wales' Own Volunteers is present at the Battle of Waterloo, under the command of Lt. Col. Joseph Ford. During the climactic attack of the Imperial Guard, Ford suffers a breakdown, and Sharpe takes command to prevent the Regiment from breaking, addressing the soldiers by the Regiment's original name, the South Essex. 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.