In an age when infantry units maneuvered and fought in rigid blocks, the idea of encouraging initiative and allowing a unit to "skirmish" was regarded as revolutionary and fell out of favor in the years following the French-Indian and American Revolutionary wars. It was revived by far-sighted British and foreign-mercenary officers, who observed the way in which French Revolutionary armies deployed skirmishers to prepare the way for their assault columns.
Offering a detailed analysis of tactics, this book is studded with period "battle descriptions" quoted from eye-witness accounts, creating a comprehensive guide to the Light and Rifles units of Wellington's Light Division. As the result of the first tentative experiments in skirmishing the units achieved an unsurpassed peak of efficiency--they marched faster, were versatile in any sort of tactical situation, and could shoot more accurately than either friend or foe. No other national army, either allied or enemy, achieved these standards.

Introduction - development of Light Infantry tactics in the 18th century American wars - neglect after 1783 /The challenge - development of tirailleur tactics by the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic armies /Creation of the Rifle units (Experimental Corps of Riflemen; 60th Royal Americans; 95th Rifle Brigade) - creation of the Light Infantry companies within Line battalions - creation of Light Infantry regiments: 43rd, 51st, 52nd, 68th, 71st, 85th & 90th /Doctrine and training: de Rottenberg, Manningham, and Sir John Moore - the Shorncliffe method /Integration of Rifles into infantry formations /Campaign history, from Toulon (1793) to Waterloo (1815), with quoted examples: the Light Division in the Peninsula - evolution of tactics through battlefield experience

Philip Haythornthwaite is an internationally respected author and historical consultant specializing 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 numerous articles and papers on military history - but still finds time to indulge in his other great passion, cricket.