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British Cavalryman 1792-1815 (Warrior)

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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.