British Light Infantry and Rifle Tactics of the Napoleonic Wars: Elite
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Overview
In an age when infantry units manoeuvred and fought in rigid blocks, the idea of encouraging initiative and allowing a unit to ‘skirmish’ was regarded as revolutionary and fell out of favour in the years following the French-Indian and American Revolutionary wars. It was revived by far-sighted British and foreign-mercenary officers, who observed the way in which French Revolutionary armies deployed skirmishers to prepare the way for their assault columns.
Offering a detailed analysis of the tactics, this book is studded with period ‘battle descriptions’ quoted from eye-witness accounts, creating a comprehensive guide to the Light and Rifles units of Wellington’s Light Division. As the result of the first tentative experiments in skirmishing the units achieved an unsurpassed peak of efficiency – they marched faster, were versatile in any sort of tactical situation and could shoot more accurately than either friend or foe. No other national army, either allied or enemy, achieved these standards.
Explains and illustrates the training and tactics of the Light Infantry and Rifle regiments, famously dramatized in the ‘Sharpe’ novels and TV films. This comprehensive guide will certainly appeal to modellers, wargamers, re-enactors and anyone interested in the Napoleonic wars.
Tells the story of Wellington’s elite infantry units, as dramatized in the ‘Sharpe’ novels and TV films. 2016 marks the 35th anniversary of the publication of the first two books in the ‘Sharpe’ series.
There has been a resurgence of interest in the Napoleonic Wars due to the bicentenary of the Waterloo campaign in 2015, with many people seeking information on the campaign and the armies involved.
The perfect reference point for modellers, wargamers and re-enactors eager to know more about the British Light Infantry and Rifle regiments.
Introduction – development of Light Infantry tactics in the 18th century American wars – neglect after 1783 /The challenge – development of tirailleur tactics by the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic armies /Creation of the Rifle units (Experimental Corps of Riflemen; 60th Royal Americans; 95th Rifle Brigade) – creation of the Light Infantry companies within Line battalions – creation of Light Infantry regiments: 43rd, 51st, 52nd, 68th, 71st, 85th & 90th /Doctrine and training: de Rottenberg, Manningham, and Sir John Moore – the Shorncliffe method /Integration of Rifles into infantry formations /Campaign history, from Toulon (1793) to Waterloo (1815), with quoted examples: the Light Division in the Peninsula – evolution of tactics through battlefield experience
- Title: British Light Infantry & Rifle Tactics of the Napoleonic Wars
- Authors: Philip Haythornthwaite, Adam Hook
- Series: Elite
- Publisher: Osprey Publishing
- Print Publication Date: 2016
- Logos Release Date: 2024
- Pages: 64
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781472816085, 1472816080
- Resource ID: LLS:9781472816085
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2025-04-22T14:13:56Z
Philip Haythornthwaite is an internationally respected author and historical consultant specializing in the military history, uniforms and equipment of the 18th and 19th centuries. His main area of research covers the Napoleonic Wars. He has written some 40 books, including more than 20 Osprey titles, and numerous articles and papers on military history – but still finds time to indulge in his other great passion, cricket.
Adam Hook studied graphic design, and began his work as an illustrator in 1983. He specializes in detailed historical reconstructions, and has illustrated Osprey titles on subjects as diverse as the Aztecs, the Ancient Greeks, Roman battle tactics, several 19th-century American subjects, the modern Chinese Army, and a number of books in the Fortress series. His work features in exhibitions and publications throughout the world.