British Cavalryman 1792-1815 (Warrior) [Paperback]

Philip Haythornthwaite (Author), Richard Hook (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Warrior | Publication Date: May 26, 1994

In the campaigns of the French Revolutionary (1792-1802) and Napoleonic Wars (1799-1815), the deserved reputation of the British infantry has tended to overshadow the contribution of the cavalry, but in fact they did form an integral part of the army, carrying out duties crucial to the success of other arms. British Cavalryman 1792-1815 recounts what these duties were and examines the men who performed them. The different regiments of the cavalry are listed and some of the arm's more exotic or professional corps, such as the King's German Legion, examined.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Insights into the real lives of history's fighting men, packed with full colour illustrations, highly detailed cutaways, exploded artwork of weaponry and armour, and action-packed battle scenes.

About the Author

Philip Haythornthwaite is an author and historical consultant specialising in the military history, uniforms and equipment of the 18th and 19th centuries. His main area of research covers the Napoleonic Wars. He has written some 40 books, including more than 20 Osprey titles, and innumerable articles and papers on military history, but still finds time to indulge in his other great passion: cricket.

Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (May 26, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1855323648
• ISBN-13: 978-1855323643
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 0.2 x 9.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,173,965 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars British Cavalryman 1792-1815, January 15, 2008

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K. Murphy "Fortune favors the Bold" (The thriving metropolis of Masury, OH) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: British Cavalryman 1792-1815 (Warrior) (Paperback)

This book takes a look at the origins, duties, and equipment of the common soldier of the British Cavalry during the Napoleonic Wars. It is well-written and informative, looking at all aspects of the soldier's career. Most cavalrymen were young when they were recruited (men over the age of 25 were often deemed unsuitable) but could look forward to rigorous training and dangerous service anywhere from the West Indies to France.

The book contains numerous useful details, including a list of all the cavalry regiments, with their titles and the dates of their founding, and, for some, their disbandment. The weapons and uniforms of the soldiers are also discussed in detail, along with battle tactics and individual fighting styles. The book is closed with descriptions of several typical battles involving British Cavalry.

The ten color plates, by the excellent artist Richard Hook, are an invaluable source by themselves and colorful depict the cavalryman's weapons, as well as his battle tactics, training, and camp life.

The British Cavalry of the 18th and early 19th Centuries is often a bit overlooked, due to the attention given to their comrades on foot. This title reveals the essential roles they played, and how the infantry could not have been so successful without them. Overall, this book is an exciting and informative guide to the hard life of the British Cavalryman 1792-1815, from the clothes on his back to the sword on his hip.