Napoleon's line infantry was founded upon that of the Ancien Régime. A total re-organisation began on 1 January 1791 with the abolition of the old regimental titles, and over the next two years an increasing number of conscript and volunteer battalions were formed. Their quality varied from the proficiency of the early National Guard regiments to the untrained and ill-equipped rabble of the levée. To combine the discipline and steadiness of the regular army with the revolutionary fervour of the new army, the Amalgame was decreed on 21 February; by this measure each regular battalion became the nucleus of a new Demi-Brigade.

Napoleon's Line Infantry (Men at Arms Series, 141)

History

Haythornthwaite, Philip

Europe

Osprey_Publishing

Although light infantry tactics formed one of the cornerstones of the Napoleonic Wars (1799-1815), their employment was by no means restricted to Light regiments. Thus, from the early 1800s, if not before, the distinction between Light and Line infantry was largely one of costume and tradition. One marked difference from the Line infantry, however, was in the superior ésprit de corps of the Light regiments. Their attitude of superiority was reinforced by their different (and often more impressive) uniform, the theoretical difference in role, and supposed superior training. Philip Haythornwaite examines their uniforms in a volume including eight superb colour plates by Brian Fosten.

Napoleon's Light Infantry (Men-at-Arms, 146)

The concept of the bodyguard is as ancient as the practice of an individual assuming the leadership of a group or tribe. From the Companions of Alexander to the Varangians of Byzantium, bodies of élite warriors, owing personal allegiance to their sovereign and obeying no others, have illuminated or stained the annals of military history. Napoleon's Imperial Guards probably represent the last true link in a chain spanning the ages. Philip Haythornthwaite describes the history, organization and equipment of Napoleon's Guard Infantry during the Napoleonic Wars period (1799-1815) in an engaging work which includes numerous illustrations and eight full page color plates superbly drawn by Bryan Fosten.

Napoleon's Guard Infantry (1) (Men-At-Arms Series, 153)

Military

This title looks at Napoleon's Middle and Young Guard infantry. The seniority of Guard infantry was only established definitely in 1812 by the Guard's chief of personnel, Courtois. The title 'Young Guard' was assigned to the newly-raised regiments in 1809, but the term 'Middle Guard' came into use about 1811. From the beginning the newer guard regiments were committed to action first, the Old Guard, as Napoleon wrote, 'being so precious, one fears to expose them'; thus the Fusiliers-Chasseurs distinguished themselves at Hilsberg whilst the rest of the Guard was kept in reserve. In 1808 the Fusiliers went to Spain, serving at the Madrid rising, Medina and Guadalajara. Philip Haythornwaite examines these troops in a detailed text backed by numerous illustrations including eight full page colour plates by Bryan Fosten.

Napoleon's Guard Infantry (2) (Men at Arms Series, 160)

In 1823 Texas was opened to American settlement; over the next 12 years thousands took advantage of the opportunity. During this time the corrupt Santa Anna rose to power. A dishonest and ruthless politician, thief, compulsive gambler, opium addict and liar, he nevetheless gained a measure of popular support and set about destroying federalism. Conflict with the American settlers ('Texians') became inevitable, a conflict which included the legendary Battle of the Alamo. Philip Haythornwaite covers the story of the War of Texan Independence (1835-1936) in a volume backed by a wealth of illustrations and photographs, including eight full page colour plates by Paul Hannon

The Alamo and the War of Texan Independence 1835-36 (Men-At-Arms Series, 173)

Americas

The most implacable of Napoleon's continental enemies, at the outbreak of war Austria maintained a vast army, but one rooted firmly in the 18th century. Hampered by the inherent conservatism of the hierarchy, the Austrians had to fight the most modern army in Europe. Despite this the regulars, who were drawn from many territories under Austrian sway, performed with great discipline, resolution and stoicism. This title examines in detail the organisation, uniforms, deployment and development of the Austrian infantry during the Napoleonic Wars, covering Line infantry, Light infantry, Grenz-Infanterie, Landwehr militia, and Frei-Corps units.

Austrian Army of the Napoleonic Wars (1) : Infantry (Men-At-Arms Series, 176)

The mounted troops of the Hapsburg Empire comprised one of the most powerful forces of the Napoleonic Wars (1799-1815). However, from the outset the cavalry's higher command was less capable than its infantry counterpart: appointments were influenced by nepotism and politics, which resulted in commands often being given to those who lacked experience. The cavalry underwent many re-organisations and expansions in the course of the wars that attempted to redress these matters, and to modernise the force as a whole. This title examines these processes and documents in detail the tactics, uniforms and equipment of the Austrian cavalry, covering Cuirassiers, Dragoons, Chevauxlegers, Hussars, Uhlan (lancer) and auxiliary units.

Austrian Army of the Napoleonic Wars (2) : Cavalry (Men at Arms Series, 181)

In 1795 the Russian army was as vast as the territory from which it was drawn. The College of War calculated that the regular army amounted to 541,741 men, plus 46,601 enrolled cossacks, and at least a further 100,000 irregular cavalry which could be mobilised in time of war. Inspired by the icons paraded by their priests before battle, the Russian infantry were capable of astonishing feats and total, blind obedience to orders. Philip Haythornwaite examines the organisation and uniforms of the remarkable Russian infantry troops who fought in the Napoleonic Wars (1799-1815).

The Russian Army of the Napoleonic Wars (1) : Infantry 1799-1814 (Men-At-Arms Series, 185) (Men-at-Arms, 185)

During the Napoleonic era, Russia possessed a vast force of cavalry, forming a greater percentage than that of most European armies. This stemmed partly from their service against the Turks, who had huge numbers of troops, and partly from the fact that much Russian terrain was suitable for the manoeuvre of large bodies of cavalry. This companion volume to Men-at-Arms 185 examines the organisation, tactics and uniforms of the Russian cavalry during this dynamic and turbulent period, covering Cuirassiers, Dragoons, Hussars, Uhlans, Mounted Jägers and the Lifeguard, as well as the Opolchenie militia and Cossacks.

The Russian Army of the Napoleonic Wars (2) : Cavalry 1799-1814 (Men-At-Arms Series, 189)

Though less celebrated than the infantry and cavalry, Napoleon's 'specialist' troops – artillery, engineers and supporting services – were indispensable elements without which no army could have operated, and frequently assumed greater significance than the line regiments. Indeed, having suffered least from the emigration of Royalist officers, the artillery was the best element of the early Republican armies, the nucleus of the old Royal artillery serving with distinction in the early campaigns such as Valmy. The organisation and uniform of Napoleon's specialist troops are here examined by Philip Haythornwaite in a engaging volume complemented by a wealth of illustrations including eight full page colour plates by Bryan Fosten.

Napoleon's Specialist Troops (Men-at-Arms)

Romance

Contemporary

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Books by Haythornthwaite, Philip