British Rifleman vs French Skirmisher

Peninsular War and Waterloo 1808–15

David Greentree, Adam Hook

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English

Osprey
31 March 2020

History; European history; Modern history to 20th century: c 1700 to c 1900; Military history; Warfare & defence

Series: Combat

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 manoeuvred 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 defence of key battlefield positions, especially those situated in difficult terrain.

While Napoleon’s skirmishers carried the smoothbore musket, notoriously inaccurate and short-ranged, several elite units fighting for Britain were armed with the rifle, a far more accurate weapon that was hampered by a slower rate of fire. As well as the legendary 95th Rifles, Britain fielded rifle-armed German troops of the 60th Regiment and the King’s German Legion, while France’s light troops were fielded in individual companies but also entire regiments. In this study, David Greentree assesses the role and effectiveness of rifle-armed British troops and their French open-order opponents in three very different encounters: Roliça (August 1808), the first British battle of the Peninsular War; the struggle for a key bridge at Barba del Puerco (March 1810); and the bitter fight for the La Haye Sainte farmhouse during the battle of Waterloo (June 1815).

By: David Greentree
Illustrated by: Adam Hook
Imprint: Osprey
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Volume: 46
Dimensions: Height: 248mm, Width: 184mm,
Weight: 268g
ISBN: 9781472831842
ISBN 10: 1472831845
Series: Combat
Pages: 80
Publication Date: 31 March 2020
Audience: General/trade , Professional and scholarly , ELT Advanced , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Introduction The opposing sides Roliça Barba Del Puerco La Haye Sainte Analysis Aftermath Unit Organizations Bibliography Index

David Greentree graduated in History at York before completing an MA in War Studies at King's College London and qualifying as a lecturer in Further Education. In 1995 he accepted a commission in the Royal Air Force and has served in a variety of locations, including Afghanistan and Oman. He lives in Hampshire, UK. Adam Hook studied graphic design, and began his work as an illustrator in 1983. He specializes in detailed historical reconstructions, and has illustrated Osprey titles on subjects as diverse as the Aztecs, the Ancient Greeks, Roman battle tactics, several 19th-century American subjects, the modern Chinese Army, and a number of books in the Fortress series. He lives in East Sussex, UK.

Reviews for British Rifleman vs French Skirmisher: Peninsular War and Waterloo 1808–15

Maps, photographs and first-rate artwork by Adam Hook illustrate the writer's insightful narrative. - Toy Soldier Model Figure This is a wonderful historical reference of some critical but lesser know battles to many. Lavishly illustrated with maps, pictures and illustrations, it is a very interesting read. From a modelers perspective, the book has great reference drawings for uniforms and equipment from this time period. Highly recommended to all interested in the history or soldiers of the area. - IMPS / USA Reviews