Belemites facts for kids

A Belemite was a special nickname used by English soldiers during the Napoleonic Wars. It described an army officer who avoided their duties. These officers preferred to stay in a safe place instead of fighting on the front lines. The name came from a place called Belém, which is near Lisbon, Portugal.

What Was a Belemite?

During the Napoleonic Wars, soldiers had a tough life. They faced battles and difficult conditions. Some officers, however, tried to avoid these dangers. They would stay away from the fighting, often in comfortable places. The term "Belemite" was a way for other soldiers to describe these officers. It showed that they were not doing their part in the war.

Where Did the Name Come From?

The name "Belemite" came from the town of Belém. This town is located just outside Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal. In Belém, there was a large convent. The army used this convent as a hospital and a main gathering point. It was a place where officers could recover if they were sick or injured. It was also a place where officers might stay while on leave.

Why Were Officers Called Belemites?

Many officers who were recovering or on leave would stay at the Belém convent. However, some officers stayed there for too long. They seemed to enjoy the comforts of city life more than returning to their regiments. These officers were not very eager to go back to the difficult life of campaigning and fighting. Because they lingered in Belém beyond what was considered reasonable, they earned the nickname "Belemites."

How Did Wellington Deal with Belemites?

Wellington was the famous British general leading the army. He knew about the "Belemites" and their habit of staying away from duty. He did not like this behavior. Sometimes, Wellington would order Colonel Peacocke, who was in charge of Lisbon's military, to check on these officers. His goal was to make sure these officers returned to their regiments and their duties. This helped keep the army strong and focused on the war.