History of the King's German Legion

Published between 1832 and 1837, this two-volume work covers the history of a famous military unit between 1803 and 1816.

This two-volume history, published between 1832 and 1837, is the definitive account of what was effectively the Hanoverian army in exile between 1803 and 1816. Its most notable period of service came when it formed part of Wellington's army during the Peninsular War and Waterloo Campaign.This two-volume work, published between 1832 and 1837 by the officer and antiquary North Ludlow Beamish (1797–1872), is the definitive account of what was effectively the Hanoverian army in exile. With their country overrun by Napoleon in 1803, thousands of officers and men made their way to England to form the King's German Legion (KGL), which consisted of several regiments of cavalry and infantry, as well as artillery and engineers. The KGL was a superb fighting force that saw widespread service as part of the British Army from 1804 until 1815. It provided Wellington with arguably his finest cavalry during the Peninsular War and Waterloo Campaign. Based upon eyewitness accounts and written records of the KGL's officers and men, this work remains of enduring value to military historians. Volume 2 continues the narrative from May 1811, via the Battle of Waterloo, to the legion's disbandment in February 1816.