Jack Collett | |
Medium: | Television, Book |
Nationality: | English |
Rank: | Major |
Appearances: | Sharpe's Company |
Actor: | Robert Morgan |
Major Jack Collett was an officer who served in the South Essex in 1812.
Novels[]
In the novel Sharpe's Company, Collett is described as a small man with a clipped mustache, cropped grey hair, with bowed horseman's legs, and leathery skin, but lacking his colonel's shrewdness. As a friend of the South Essex's new commanding officer, Brian Windham, he takes the vacant majority that otherwise would have gone to senior captain, Thomas Leroy. He agrees with Major Forrest's decision to leave Sharpe in temporary command of the light company after the arrival of Rymer, leaving Windham the job of downgrading Sharpe to lieutenant. Collett is often seen at Windham's side, organizing parades for him.
He loses a watch and a silver shaving mirror when Hakeswill robs the baggage train.
He led half the battalion - later increased to six companies by reinforcements - in protecting engineers while making a failed attempt to blow the dam near Badajoz.
He is killed early on during the assault on Badjoz, his "neck severed by roundshot." (Sharpe's Company)
Television[]
In the television adaptation of Sharpe's Company, there is no significant difference to Collett's character, although he appears younger than described in the novel. Like Windham, he is friendly towards Sharpe but not sure how to treat an officer who rose from the ranks, but shakes hands with Sharpe when he is assigned away from the battalion. He quickly picks up on Price's fondness for drink.
During the assault on the breach at Badajoz, he is shot dead by one of the French defenders, grieving Windham who expresses sorrow at his death.