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John Grehan examines in detail the role of one of the most important fortifications in military history, the Lines of Torres Vedras in the Peninsular War, 1809-1812.

After defeating Austria at Austerlitz in 1805, Napoleon took over the territory then called 'Illyria' in western Croatia, but had to fight to occupy it in 1806-07. After defeat in 1809, Austria ceded more Balkan territories to the French Empire, but invaded and liberated these territories in 1814. This title examines the many former Austrian regiments from the areas that were taken into the French forces, for instance, Illyrian Chasseurs, Croatian and Dalmatian Regiments. Examined are the troops...

In his early years, Napoleon was a Corsican nationalist who considered the French to be oppressors. Nevertheless,he was sent to military academies in France, and when he graduated in 1785, at the age of sixteen, he became a second lieutenant in the French army. Napoleon's military career presents a surprising paradox. His genius at tactical manoeuvring was dazzling, and if he were to be judged only by that, he might perhaps be considered the greatest general of all time. In the field of gran...

In January 1794 the French 'Army of Italy' was commanded by General Dumerbion and he acknowledged a great debt to his 25-year-old commander of artillery - Napoleon Bonaparte. The French Revolution had resulted in major changes in the military system, conscription created a national army and new tactics and initiatives allowed an officer of such promise as Napoleon to rise quickly through the ranks. By 1796 he was the general commanding the French in Italy and at the conclusion of fourteen months...

This book was written to provide an in-depth study of the Danish and Norwegian armies of the Napoleonic Wars. The goal was to provide a working document which is as accurate as possible, covering the uniforms of these armies, their weapons and their evolution as well as their colours and a look at their basic tactics. Although this is principally a uniform book, historical background is also provided to place the details in their context. Most of the information contained in this volume is publi...

In October 1810, the Third French invasion of Portugal under Marechal Massena arrived at the Lines of Torres Vedras and his triumphal march into Lisbon came to an abrupt halt. Five months later a thoroughly demoralised and defeated French army retreated from Portugal and never returned. The Lines played a vital role in enabling the allied army to operate against a more numerous enemy. When threatened, there was a safe place for the allies to retire to, and from this secure base, Wellington eve...

The second title in The Paperboys on Campaign series, some 46 pages of artwork enabling you to make French, British, Portuguese, Spanish, and several other countries' troops which fought for and against the Iron Duke in his epic campaign against Napoleon's forces.

Placing the battle of Waterloo in its historical context, this work aims to filter out the errors and inaccuracies which have crept into history since the battle. It appeals to historians and those interested in this pivotal moment in world history. Each chapter features paintings, drawings and maps.

In 1811, the French again took the offensive in the peninsula. Soult moved to Badajoz and Massena advanced to relieve Almeida which Wellington had invested. At Fuentes de Onoro Massena and Wellington's armies clashed in a hard-fought contest. The attacks of the French cavalry were thwarted by the stalwart resistance of the British infantry in square. Wellington lost 1800 men, Massna 2700 but the French failed to break Wellington's siege of Almeida and were forced to withdraw. Massena was relieve...

In 1798 Napoleon Bonaparte, who was all but Master of Europe, assembled a formidable expeditionary force at Toulon. While its purpose was unknown there was every reason to believe that Great Britain was its destination and the Nation was on invasion alert. The overwhelming British priority was for a fleet to be assembled and sent to the Mediterranean to destroy this threat before the French force could set sail. The burning issue was which of four Royal Naval flag officers should command this v...

In Volume 2 Andre Jouineau and Jean-Marie Mongin present the general colonels, horse hunters, Mamelukes, dragons, grenadiers on horseback, lancers, tartars, guides, artillery train, and other artillerymen on horseback. Again in 176 pages nearly 1,000 drawings illustrate the centaurs of the Guard! "La Garde donne!" La Garde imperiale, cette glorieuse phalange, fruit de toutes les attentions de l'empereur Napoleon Ier, est une forme de petite armee dans la "Grande Armee"... Cette etude de son org...