Brompton traces the life of a nineteenth century soldier who served in the British Army at the height of English rule. It interlocks with historical accuracy the story of Ireland, the formation of England's Standing Army and life as it was in a Regiment. A mix of discipline, passion, struggle and personal triumphs. From Portugal to Australia to India with his regiment, William Smith endures campaign hardship, tragedy and tropical illness. He remarries and is repatriated back to Ireland, but his retirement coincides with Ireland's crisis, the 1840's famine. Acceptance into the Royal New Zealand Fencible Corps offers a new life establishing the colony of New Zealand. His legacy to the country is found in the solid infrastructure that survives from Auckland and Onehunga's humble beginnings and the meticulous genealogical research into William's numerous descendants.