First, what is a “furlough”? A military furlough is a temporary, approved leave from active military service for a set period, typically without pay and often for reasons like an approved break, awaiting new orders, or returning to civilian life for a limited time. While on furlough, service members are still technically employed but are not receiving their regular compensation. The concept of furlough is an old one, originating as a way to grant soldiers permission to be absent from duty. 

During the British Regency era (1811–1820), military furlough was a privilege largely available to officers rather than enlisted soldiers. Requesting and receiving leave was heavily dependent on rank, social connections, and whether the regiment was on active campaign or garrison duty. 

“British Army during the Napoleonic Wars period saw rapid change. Up to 1790 the army was relatively small. At the beginning of 1793 it had barely 40,000 men but by the end of 1813 the regular army had grown to over 200,000 men but it contracted in subsequent years. However, vast numbers of men made up the Victorian army. Over 150,000 in 1851, over 200,000 in 1861 and 1871.” [Service in the British Army – see link below]

Leave for illness or wounds were assuredly given, as were general leaves or furloughs. For an officer, he could request it at any time, and the commander had to give it to him. Generally, for the common soldier, it was at the commander’s discretion. It was fairly useless when the soldier was in Spain or the colonies as he could nor go home. A common soldier had no money and no time usually for such a long journey. The commander would also have to believe the soldier was likely to come back… which was not necessarily a sure thing overseas. 

Such furloughs were not given out to enlisted men often. Those that received furlough would more than likely be:

1. Older soldiers, long time enlisted men.
2. Those the colonel specifically liked and/or trusted
3. Those who would be traveling with an officer to the same village or location [Such as a Batman or soldier under the officer’s command—and the officer was willing to take responsibility for the soldier’s return.
4. An official request from the military offices in England for court proceedings or such official business. The officer who delivered Wellington’s report of Waterloo with captured flags was not given furlough. He was on official business. The enlisted man who accompanied him was.

A death in the family, a birth of a child, inheritance or family distress was not in and of itself a promise of furlough, even in Great Britain proper.

OFFICERS

For gentlemen who had purchased their commissions, obtaining leave was a common practice, but it was not guaranteed. 

• Procedure: A request would be submitted up the chain of command, often to the commanding officer of the regiment, who had the final say. For an officer with the right social or political connections, a request for a leave of absence was routinely approved, even to avoid going abroad with a regiment.
• Circumstances for leave: Officers might request leave for personal business, to recover from illness, or simply for an extended holiday. Those serving in the militia, in particular, had a great deal of leave.
• During wartime: During periods of intense fighting, like the Napoleonic Wars, an officer’s ability to take leave was far more limited than during peacetime garrison duty. 

ENLISTED SOLDIERS:

For the common soldier, the concept of a furlough to visit home was almost nonexistent. Enlistments were for long terms, sometimes for life, and regiments were often stationed far from their recruitment areas to discourage desertion. 

• No guaranteed home leave: A private soldier would typically not return home until their enlistment expired or they were invalided out of the service due to age or injury. For a regiment serving overseas for a decade or more, a soldier might go many years without seeing family.
• Some short-term leave: While stationed on garrison duty, a soldier might be given a few days’ leave to attend a local event. During overseas deployments, some limited furlough might be granted, particularly for soldiers serving in India who were accustomed to longer terms of service.
• Harsh consequences for desertion: Leaving a regiment without permission was considered desertion, a crime with severe penalties, including flogging or even execution. High desertion rates during the Napoleonic Wars reflect the widespread desire to escape the harsh realities of military life. 

FOR AUTHORS TO WRITE SUCH SCENES THEY SHOULD CONSIDER THE REASON BEHIND THE REQUEST FOR A FURLOUGH:

To create a plausible scenario for requesting military leave during the Regency era, consider these details:

• Identify the rank: Determine if the character is an officer or a common soldier, as this is the single most important factor.
• Establish a reason: Provide a specific, justifiable reason for the request, such as family illness, handling an inheritance, or recovering from a wound.
• Consider the location: The regiment’s location and whether it is at war or peace are crucial. A request is far more likely to be granted if the regiment is at home rather than on a campaign in Spain or Belgium.
• Leverage social standing: For an officer, emphasize the role of social influence. A request might go directly to a sympathetic commanding officer, especially if the officer has a reputation for competence. For a private, it is less about a formal request and more about desperation, a last resort, or even an act of desertion. 

Other Sources:

Did Napoleon’s troops get home leave during the Napoleonic Wars or did they just not see their homes for many years?

Gentlemen’s Occupations

Military Officers During the Regency

Service in the British Army 1800-1900

The Regency Army Officer

To Be an Officer and a Gentleman

What Exactly Did It Mean to Be an Officer on Half Pay