British Redcoat (Trade Editions) [Paperback]

Stuart Reid (Author), Richard Hook (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 25, 2000 | Series: Trade Editions

Objects of grotesque caricature and popular distrust in their own times, British Redcoats nevertheless represented a formidable fighting force and laid the foundations of the British Empire. The British Army was drawn from a far lower percentage of the population than almost any other European army, and at home they were employed chiefly as a police force. This, coupled with their demonisation in American mythology, earned the Redcoats a fearsome reputation as a penal institution run by aristocratic dilettantes. This volume seeks to put the record straight. It investigates the lifestyles and motivations of the warriors who quelled the Jacobite rebellion and covers the weapons, armour and tactics they employed.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

The Bringing History to Life collection is made up of Osprey's all-time favourite titles, re-released with striking new covers - selected titles also include visitor information sections.

About the Author

Stuart Reid was born in Aberdeen in 1954. His lifelong interest in military history has led to a longstanding involvement in historical re-enactment, which has broadened into work as a military advisor-cum-troop-instructor for film companies. His previous titles for Osprey include a three-volume work in the Men-at-Arms series on King George's Army 1740-1793 and Warrior 21 Highland Clansman 1689-1746. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (September 25, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1841761532
• ISBN-13: 978-1841761534
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,717,741 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars British Redcoat 1793-1815, January 15, 2008

By 

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 Redcoat 1793-1815 (Warrior) (Paperback)

'British Redcoat 1793-1815' is the second volume in Osprey Publishing's study of the tactics and experiences of the British Infantry from the Jacobite Wars to the Napoleonic Wars.

This book picks up where the first volume left off. The British Army must recover quickly from its defeat by the American Colonies; Revolutionary France declared war in 1793, and violence would soon break out in India and the Carribbean. The Redcoat of this era would go muzzle to muzzle with the Grande Armee of Napoleon Bonaparte, but would emerge triumphantly at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

The book follows the usual Warrior format; after a brief introduction, the recruitment of the soldier, as well as his age and social conditions, are discussed. Following this is an intimate look into the hard life of the Redcoat, in a section titled 'Army Life'. The next section 'Career Patterns' also examines the possibility of promotion. The final, and longest sections are 'Training and Tactics' and 'Drill Books'; the latter in particular taking a detailed look at the tactical doctrines of the time. This section also looks at the further testing and improvement of light infantry and skirmisher tactics, which had first begun during the Seven Year's War.

The color plates are the crown jewel of this book, as with virtually all Osprey titles. They follow hypothetical soldiers through every part of their career from recruitment to (in the assumption they survive) retirement. There are many detailed images of the firearms, uniforms, work tools, and even footwear of the soldiers, and the men themselves are shown working, training, and fighting, at Velore (India, 1806) and Waterloo (France, 1815). The latter battlescene is particularly interesting, showing the line of the 79th Highlanders firing. This book also reveals the continuing (and indeed, ever-improving) tradition of kilt and plaid-clad Highland Regiments. The Napoleonic Wars would in fact be a moment of glory for many of these decorated units.

In short, this book is a valuable examination of, and a fitting tribute to the men who fought and died for the Crown from 1793 to 1815.