Spanish Army of the Napoleonic Wars (1): 1793–1808

Osprey Men at Arms #321

by René Chartrand

The Spanish Army was transformed during the 18th century by an influx of progressive officers who modernised and expanded it. It was closely modelled on the French armies of Louis XIV and Louis XV in tactical doctrine, organisation, armament and uniforms. In battle, they were often brave to the point of carelessness, and were thus sometimes difficult to control. The army also had several Swiss and Walloon regiments, less given to all-out attacks, but renowned for their steadiness under fire. In this first of three volumes, Réne Chartrand examines the organisation and uniforms of the Spanish Army of the Napoleonic Wars (1799-1815).

Genres: History, Spain, Nonfiction, Military History

48 pages, Paperback

First published November 27, 1998

Reviews

[Jereme · Rating 4 out of 5]

*This is a review for all three books in the series*

A very solid depiction of the underrated Spanish army of the Napoleonic Wars. I appreciate how they granted the author the opportunity to write three whole books on these armies which is rare amongst the MAA series. This is a particularly good book if you are into the finer details of the uniforms and the plates are of good quality. Does not go into drill or very much on the culture of the army itself however.