British Light Infantry & Rifle Tactics of the Napoleonic Wars

Osprey Elite #215

by Philip J. Haythornthwaite, Adam Hook (Illustrations)

In an age when infantry units maneuvered and fought in rigid blocks, the idea of encouraging initiative and allowing a unit to "skirmish" was regarded as revolutionary and fell out of favor 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 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.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

64 pages, Paperback

Published October 18, 2016

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

[Henry Davis IV · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written and even, I dare say, lively account of the development, training, and employment of British Light Infantry during this period. While this work's applicability to scholars of the Napoleonic Wars is clear, it is also a very worthwhile read for anyone with an interest in 19th Century ground combat to include conflicts like the Crimean War and later engagements like the American Civil War. Although skirmishing and what would become sniping developed throughout the 19th Century, the British tactical innovations covered in this book set a foundation for them. Unsurprisingly, much of this innovation was forced upon British units trying to defeat the rebellion in what would become the United States of America during the late 18th Century. I highly recommend this book for anyone with an interest in 19th Century ground combat and especially an interest in the War of 1812, Crimean War, or American Civil War.

[Declan Waters · Rating 4 out of 5]

An overview of the fighting styles of the British Light Infantry of the Peninsular and Napoleonic wars. A great detailed review of the impact of light infantry on the British and their allies fighting in Spain. Lots of detail, easy to follow with good and clear diagrams.

The book ends with a few reviews of some of the battles of the era including Talavera and Waterloo. Will definitely be of interest to those wanting to know more about the Peninsular War either for academic, general interest or wargaming reasons.

[Sean Chick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pretty thorough account of training,tactics,weapons, and origins of Britiain's light infantry during the Napoleonic Wars. Although small in number, they were among the finest of the era. The account here is made richer with images and diagrams.