I read the Flashman series, or parts of it, maybe 20 years ago. It is parody, he is a rake, and also a great coward, who get's decorated through misunderstandings of his actions in battles. Camp, yes. But I thought them pretty funny, and enjoyable light reading.

In a more serious vein, how about Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin series? Master and Commander, etc. That's probably the best historical fiction I've ever read. I also like the Bernard Cornwell's Saxon series. Great stuff!