Osprey Warrior 47 : British Rifleman 1797-1815

The rifle corps of the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars are among the most recognisable of all the soldiers of that era: their distinctive dark green uniforms are as familiar as some of their exploits which have achieved considerable fame through the large numbers of memoirs written by members of the rifle corps as well as in modern fiction, most notably the Sharpe series. Apart from their reputation as a corps d'elite, the riflemen were, in their time, at the very cutting edge of military technology and tactical theory. Philip Haythornwaite, a leading expert in this field, here studies what makes the rifleman unique, from his equipment, weaponry and uniform, to the ethos behind the creation and employment of the rifle corps. Philip Haythornwaite uses first hand accounts and evidence to give a 'soldier's eye view' of the British Rifleman, his life and work. Illustrations by Christa Hook.

Contents

• Chronology
• Recruiting
• Training
• Appearance
• Equipment
• Conditions of Service
• On Campaign
• Experience of Battle
• Colour Plate Commentary
• Glossary
• Bibliography
• Index