British Redcoat 1793-1815 (Warrior, 20)

'British Redcoat 1793-1815' is the second volume in Osprey Publishing's study of the tactics and experiences of the British Infantry from the Jacobite Wars to the Napoleonic Wars.This book picks up where the first volume left off. The British Army must recover quickly from its defeat by the American Colonies; Revolutionary France declared war in 1793, and violence would soon break out in India and the Carribbean. The Redcoat of this era would go muzzle to muzzle with the Grande Armee of Napoleon Bonaparte, but would emerge triumphantly at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.The book follows the usual Warrior format; after a brief introduction, the recruitment of the soldier, as well as his age and social conditions, are discussed. Following this is an intimate look into the hard life of the Redcoat, in a section titled 'Army Life'. The next section 'Career Patterns' also examines the possibility of promotion. The final, and longest sections are 'Training and Tactics' and 'Drill Books'; the latter in particular taking a detailed look at the tactical doctrines of the time. This section also looks at the further testing and improvement of light infantry and skirmisher tactics, which had first begun during the Seven Year's War.The color plates are the crown jewel of this book, as with virtually all Osprey titles. They follow hypothetical soldiers through every part of their career from recruitment to (in the assumption they survive) retirement. There are many detailed images of the firearms, uniforms, work tools, and even footwear of the soldiers, and the men themselves are shown working, training, and fighting, at Velore (India, 1806) and Waterloo (France, 1815). The latter battlescene is particularly interesting, showing the line of the 79th Highlanders firing. This book also reveals the continuing (and indeed, ever-improving) tradition of kilt and plaid-clad Highland Regiments. The Napoleonic Wars would in fact be a moment of glory for many of these decorated units.In short, this book is a valuable examination of, and a fitting tribute to the men who fought and died for the Crown from 1793 to 1815.

Okay.

Very good material from an author who knows his subject from practicle side.

Como es habitual otro gran titulo de Osprey donde se adentra en el ejercito inglés de las guerras napoleonicas, exactamente hata Waterloo. Se tata en detalle todo lo referente al reclutamiento, la formación de los regimientos, la vida en el cuartel y en campaña.Acompañado de una magnificas ilustraciones.Recomendable.

Ich hatte hohe Erwartungen an das Buch. Leider hat sich Osprey wieder einmal zum x-ten Male wiederholt. Die enthaltenen Infos kann man in diversen anderen Osprey-Büchern schon lesen. Verzichtbar.