What is the theme in Sharpe's Waterloo: Richard Sharpe and the Waterloo Campaign by Bernard Cornwell?

Leadership is the main theme of the book. From Wellington to Napoleon, from an infantry sergeant to a cavalry officer, the immense importance of leadership, especially when leading men into battle is a recurring theme in this book.

The respect and admiration of the top leaders Napoleon and Wellington, contrasts dramatically with that of the Prince of Orange. At a more subordinate level, the failure in leadership of Colonel Ford, of the Prince of Wale's Own Volunteers and the actions of Sharpe in stemming a potential retreat illustrate the desire for and recognition of, effective leadership by the ordinary soldier.