Rigingslinger queried "Flashman"
A series of sequels written by George MacDonald Fraser with the central character of Harry Flashman.
The stories have a quasi-historical background, and follow Harry Flashman (coward, bully, womaniser) through his many adventures where he seems to play a central part in any historic tableau.
The character may seem familiar to those who have read Thomas Hughes' "Tom Brown's Schooldays"

CHEERS
Nigel