Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1346868 in Books
• Published on: 2000-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 144 pages

Customer Reviews

Enjoyable reading for buffs and novices alike
If you've seen the "SHARPE" films but want to know what the British Riflemen were REALLY ALL ABOUT, this is the book to get.
This work traces the history, clothing and equipment of the sharpshooters of England's army. Contrary to popular belief, the American "Dirty Shirts" were NOT the FIRST rifle armed soldiers.
Much emphasis is placed on both the 60th and the 95th. There are numerous period paintings, sketches and actual equipment shown. You'll meet such legendary officers such as "Coote" Manningham and "Black Bob" Crawford. The exploits of rifleman Tom Plunkett are also covered.
Interspaced between the pages are photos of reenactors in period uniform, showing what these troops looked like in the field. The Baker rifle is given center stage as it should be.
Even if you are not a "green jacket", you'll find this book well worth having on your shelves. Don't be surprised if you find yourself singing the 95th official song; 'OVER THE HILLS AND FAR AWAY'

the élite troops of Wellington's army
Although this new volume in Military Illustrated's "Classic Soldiers" series emphasizes the Napoleonic Wars, the author also covers the precursors of the Rifles and their distinguished service down to the present day. The numerous color illustrations will be a must for artists, wargamers and re-enactors. Every army has among its establishment a unit which is considered its élite. In the British Army under the Duke of Wellington one or two units, such as those of the Light Division, could lay claim to élite status on the basis of their records. But surely the élite troops of Wellington's army were the Rifleman. This volume 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 are the recruitment and social backgrounds of the bulk of the force. The book also pays attention to tactics and weaponry, and in combining these two complimentary strands under one title presents an important insight into the reasons for the rise of Britain as a major military power during the Napoleonic period.

150 color and b/w illustrations

RIFLEMAN-Elite Soldiers of the Napoleonic Wars
A very good source book for those wanting information on the regiment made famous by the "Sharpe" series. The book covers the origins of the Rifles, from their Prussian and American counterparts, as well as covering their tactics and involvement in some of the most decisive battles of the Peninsular War. There are numerous prints and photos, both of period soldiers and equipment, as well as some modern shots of today's reenactors. The book contains valuable source references, but still reads easily even for someone with a casual interest in the genre. Well worth a look.