Description
Book SynopsisFeaturing specially commissioned artwork and full-color maps, this book evaluates the origins, tactics, armament, and combat effectiveness of the British riflemen and French skirmishers who clashed on three bloody battlefields of the Napoleonic Wars.
The battles between British and French forces during the Peninsular War (1807--14) and the Hundred Days campaign of 1815 saw both sides deploy specialist units of skirmishers trained in marksmanship and open-order combat. These light troops fulfilled several important roles on the battlefield, such as masking large bodies of close-order troops as they maneuvered in battle, firing upon enemy troops to provoke them into attacking prematurely, and harassing enemy artillery crews and senior officers with aimed fire. On occasion, the skirmishers were tasked with special missions requiring individual initiative, such as the capture or defense of key battlefield positions, especially those situated in difficult terrain.
Table of Contents
Introduction The opposing sides Roliça Barba Del Puerco La Haye Sainte Analysis Aftermath Unit Organizations Bibliography Index
