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British Light Infantry in the American Revolution

Robbie MacNiven author Stephen Walsh illustrator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Published:18th Feb '21

Should be back in stock very soon

British Light Infantry in the American Revolution cover

A fully illustrated study that describes the formation, uniform, equipment, doctrine end tactics of Britain’s elite light infantrymen during the course of the American Revolutionary War.

During the Seven Years’ War (1755–63), a number of independent light-infantry outfits served under British command and dedicated light companies were added to the British Army’s regular infantry battalions. The light companies were disbanded after the war but the prominent role played by light infantry was not forgotten, and in 1771–72 light-infantry companies were reinstated in every regiment in the British Isles. Although William Howe formed a training camp at Salisbury in 1774 specifically to practise light-infantry doctrine, the outbreak of the American Revolution in 1775 found the British Army wanting, and the light companies were no different. After evacuating Boston in March 1776, Howe began to remodel and drill his army at Halifax, standardizing lighter uniform and emphasizing more open-order tactics. He also brigaded his light companies together into composite battalions, which went on to fight in almost every major engagement during the American Revolution. They spearheaded British assaults, using night-time surprise and relying upon the bayonet in engagements such as Paoli and Old Tappan. They also matched their regular and irregular opponents in bush-fighting, and at times fought in far-flung detachments alongside Native American and Loyalist allies on the frontier. Featuring specially commissioned full-colour artwork, this book offers a comprehensive guide to the formation, uniform, equipment, doctrines and tactics of these elite light infantry companies and battalions, and considers how, over the course of the war they developed a fearsome reputation, and exemplified the psychological characteristics exhibited by crack military units across history.

With excellent accompanying images by Stephen Walsh this title is highly recommended. * Adventures in Historyland *
This will presented-work will be enjoyed by general readers but re-enactors and collectors will find it a great reference source. -- John Norris * GunMart.net *
This is an interesting overview of the development of British light infantry and provides a good entry into the subject. There are plenty of excellent illustrations and contemporary drawings along with photographs of re-enactors. I found the book informative and readable, providing a good insight into the foundations of the light infantry during this period. * Battlefield Magazine *

ISBN: 9781472842497

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 214g

64 pages