![]() It turns round cooly to check the enemy hanging on its rear and while marching, it fires without separating." In retreat it stands firm, and commences its fire by volleys from the battalions, followed by a well-supported file-firing. The system of manoeuvres which they have adopted since the year 1798, is borrowed from the Prussians. Their composition exhibits something of the German character, Less confusion, and preserve their original formation better. Though not so stubborn under a heavy fire as the Russian infantry, they draw together with Troops of France and England, it would be unjust not to admit that the cavalry of the former stands higherįrench General Foy writes, "The English do not scale mountains, or scour the plain, with the supplenessĪnd rapidity of the French but they are more silent, more orderly, and more obedient, and for these reasons theirįire is better directed, and more destructive. Nations have given the first place amongst the European infantry to the British but in a comparison between the William Napier writes, "The result of a hundred battles and the united testimony of impartial writers of different The best part of the British Army was the infantry. The redcoats fought in North America, South America,Īfrica, and Asia, and from the tropics (Caribbean Islands) to the deserts (Egypt and Syria). The field army and colonial troops played an important role. The history of the British army spans over 350 years and numerous European and colonial wars.Īlthough Britain's glory was principally achieved through the strength of the Royal Navy, The American experience was very important to the development of British infantry tactics. Picture: British infantry and German mercenaries defending field fortificationsĪgainst the more numerous French and American regulars and militia at Yorktown in October 1781. The strength of the Royal Navy, the field army and colonial Light infantry (+ rifled units) -Īlthough Britain's glory was principally achieved through Line infantry - Foot Guards - King's German Legion "Come on, ye rascals ! - Come on, ye fighting villains !" Is one of the best troops in military history. The British infantry of the Napoleonic Wars "The infantry is the best portion of the British army." I consider the English infantry to be impregnable. "Well posted, as Wellington knows how to post it, and attacked from the front, British infantry : organization : tactics : uniforms British Infantry of the Napoleonic Wars
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