Uniforms of Waterloo: 16-18 June 1815

by Philip J. Haythornthwaite

The most famous three days in military history occurred less than two hundred years ago, and they are still the most studied, and the most fascinating, for the seemingly insignificant mistakes and new tactics that changed history forever. This full-color guide to the uniforms and troop movements will make the action more real and the movements easier to follow, as you envision the Belgian countryside battles that ended Napoleon's career and changed the European political landscape for generations. Here you'll find not only maps of the battlefield and charts of troop movements, strategies, and tactics, but also the full range of personalities, weapons, and uniforms. Over 200 full-color illustrations, with detailed captions, can help you identify all ranks of combatants, from Britain, Brunswick, France, Hanover, the Netherlands, and Prussia. The paintings accurately picture the major field commanders, including the Duke of Wellington, Napoleon, and Generalfeldmarschal Bluecher, as well as the full range of fusiliers, grenadiers, voltigeurs, officers and troopers, artillery men, the rocket corps, infantrymen, and other participants. Special attention is given to the details of uniform facings, rank lace, plumes, bonnets, badges, sashes, and greatcoats -- everything necessary to re-create this decisive battle.

190 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1974

About the author

Philip J. Haythornthwaite (born 1951) is an internationally respected and prolific author and historical consultant specializing in military history, uniforms and equipment. Whilst his main area of research is the Napoleonic Wars, his impressive list of publications covers a much wider range of periods from the English Civil War until WWI.

Reviews

[Viva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite this being a short book I have found it enormously useful. I've used this book many times as a quick guide when looking for uniforms and confirming details. Though this single book (with it's one picture for each unit) isn't enough when you want a very detailed description, it's very good in a pinch. I highly recommend this as a quick guide for the enthusiast and a great beginners book for those just getting into Waterloo.

[Tom Axworthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful descriptions and illustrations of the fighting forces at the battle of Waterloo, the era of the greatest display of pomp in the history of military dress.

[Jur · Rating 3 out of 5]

Haythornthwaite's book, first published in 1974, is of course more about uniforms and considering the references I don't think the author did a lot of research on his account of the campaign and battle. No foreign language sources. The Brits are great, the Dutch-Belgians doubtful and William plain rubbish. Wellington of course can do no wrong.

[Alfred · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very detailed and useful guide; I've had this for an eternity and its never far away.