Osprey Warrior 20 : British Redcoat (2) 1793-1815

In 1783 the British army came straggling home from North America in what can only be described as a shattered condition. It had invariably acquitted itself well on the battlefield, but its regiments were now woefully understrength, and it was not until 1789 that they were once again fit for service. Little more than three years later, in February 1793, Republican France declared war, and apart from two short periods amounting to no more than a few months apiece, the army was to be heavily engaged around the globe for the next 23 years. Beginning where Warrior 19 The British Redcoat 1740-93 ended, we see how the British Army was re-organised, re-equipped, re-trained and led from the bitter struggle in the West Indies to the final reckoning with Napoleon's last gamble at Waterloo. This book places much emphasis on examining the lives and experience of the rank-and-file soldiery. Living conditions, training and career patterns in the British Army during this time of reform and re-equipment are examined, as is the recruitment and social backgrounds of the bulk of the force. Particular attention is paid to the tactics and weaponry, and in combining these two complimentary strands in one book it presents an important insight into the reasons for the rise of Britain as a major military power during the Napoleonic period. Text by Stuart Reid with illustrations by Graham Turner.

Contents

• Introduction
• Recruitment
• The Soldiers
• Army Life
• Career Patterns
• Training and Tactics
• Drill Books