Men-at-Arms
11 primary works • 13 total works
Book 141
Napoleon's line infantry was founded upon that of the Ancien Regime. A total re-organisation began on 1 January 1791 with the abolition of the old regimental titles, and over the next two years an increasing number of conscript and volunteer battalions were formed. Their quality varied from the proficiency of the early National Guard regiments to the untrained and ill-equipped rabble of the levee. To combine the discipline and steadiness of the regular army with the revolutionary fervour of the new army, the Amalgame was decreed on 21 February; by this measure each regular battalion became the nucleus of a new Demi-Brigade.
Book 146
Although light infantry tactics formed one of the cornerstones of Napoleonic warfare, their employment was by no means restricted to Light regiments. Thus, from the early 1800s if not before, the distinction between Light and Line infantry was largely one of costume and tradition. One marked difference from the Line infantry, however, was in the superior esprit de corps of the Light regiments. Their attitude of superiority was reinforced by their different (and often more impressive) uniform, the theoretical difference in role, and supposed superior training. Philip Haythornwaite examines their uniforms in a volume including eight superb colour plates by Brian Fosten.
Book 160
The concept of the bodyguard is as ancient as the practice of an individual assuming the leadership of a group or tribe. From the Companions of Alexander to the Varangians of Byzantium, bodies of elite warriors, owing personal allegiance to their sovereign and obeying no others, have illuminated or stained the annals of military history. Napoleon's Imperial Guards probably represent the last true link in a chain spanning the ages. Philip Haythornthwaite describes the history, organization and equipment of Napoleon's Guard Infantry during the Napoleonic Wars period (1799-1815) in an engaging work which includes numerous illustrations and eight full page color plates superbly drawn by Bryan Fosten."
Book 173
The Alamo and the War of Texan Independence 1835-36
by Philip J. Haythornthwaite
Published 26 March 1992
In 1823 Texas was opened to American settlement; over the next 12 years thousands took advantage of the opportunity. During this time the corrupt Santa Anna rose to power. A dishonest and ruthless politician, thief, compulsive gambler, opium addict and liar, he nevetheless gained a measure of popular support and set about destroying federalism. Conflict with the American settlers ('Texians') became inevitable, a conflict which included the legendary Battle of the Alamo. Philip Haythornwaite covers the story of the War of Texan Independence in a volume backed by a wealth of illustrations and photographs, including eight full page colour plates by Paul Hannon
Book 181
The mounted troops of the Hapsburg Empire comprised one of the most powerful forces of the Napoleonic Wars. However, from the outset the cavalry's higher command was less capable than its infantry counterpart: appointments were influenced by nepotism and politics, which resulted in commands often being given to those who lacked experience. The cavalry underwent many re-organisations and expansions in the course of the wars that attempted to redress these matters, and to modernise the force as a whole. This title examines these processes and documents in detail the tactics, uniforms and equipment of the Austrian cavalry, covering Cuirassiers, Dragoons, Chevauxlegers, Hussars, Uhlan (lancer) and auxiliary units.
Book 189
During the Napoleonic era, Russia possessed a vast force of cavalry, forming a greater percentage than that of most European armies. This stemmed partly from their service against the Turks, who had huge numbers of troops, and partly from the fact that much Russian terrain was suitable for the manoeuvre of large bodies of cavalry. This companion volume to Men-at-Arms 185 examines the organisation, tactics and uniforms of the Russian cavalry during this dynamic and turbulent period, covering Cuirassiers, Dragoons, Hussars, Uhlans, Mounted Jagers and the Lifeguard, as well as the Opolchenie militia and Cossacks.
Book 199
Though less celebrated than the infantry and cavalry, Napoleon's 'specialist' troops - artillery, engineers and supporting services - were indispensable elements without which no army could have operated, and frequently assumed greater significance than the line regiments. Indeed, having suffered least from the emigration of Royalist officers, the artillery was the best element of the early Republican armies, the nucleus of the old Royal artillery serving with distinction in the early campaigns such as Valmy. The organisation and uniform of Napoleon's specialist troops are here examined by Philip Haythornwaite in a engaging volume complemented by a wealth of illustrations including eight full page colour plates by Bryan Fosten.
Book 204
The specialist troops of Wellington's army played a crucial role in the success of the British Army. Though often understaffed and ineptly managed, the artillery, engineers, transport and commissariat, and medical services contributed to Wellington's ultimate victory in 1815. The Royal Artillery and Corps of Royal Engineers comprised a small number of highly trained officers, while the commissariat was composed of untrained civilians outside military discipline, and the medical services suffered from a shortage of trained surgeons. This richly illustrated book examines the organization, uniforms and equipment of each of these specialist departments.
Book 236
Throughout the wars undertaken by Frederick the Great, probably his greatest resource was his infantry. It is a mark of the king's determination that despite wars which almost destroyed both Prussia and its army (such as the Seven Years' War), he was able to maintain its numbers - even if the quality declined as the attritional campaigns took their toll. Philip Haythornthwaite examines the uniforms, tactics and organisation of Frederick's infantry in detail - a fighting force that contested battles such as Mollwitz, Hohenfriedberg, Kesselsdorf, Liegnitz, Burkersdorf and the siege of Prague.
Book 257
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 campaigning he was the decisive military personality of his age. Philip Haythornthwaite examines Napoleon's campaigns in Italy, and the uniforms of his soldiers are illustrated in eight colour plates by Richard Hook.
Book 276
This is an account of the uniforms, insignia, weaponry, campaigns and military practices of the Infantry of Maria Theresa's Austrian Army between 1740 and 1780, a period when the Austrian forces proved themselves to be one of the best armies in Europe, fighting in the War of Austrian Succession and the Seven Years War.
Austrian Specialist Troops of the Napoleonic Wars
by Philip J. Haythornthwaite
Published 26 July 1990
The specialist troops of the Austrian forces helped to secure Austria's reputation as the most formidable of Napoleon's continental enemies. Due largely to the efforts of Prince Liechtenstein, by the late 18th century the Austrian artillery had been the finest in Europe, and was held up as an example to the world. This text examines the famed Austrian artillery and other specialist troops of the Napoleonic Wars (1799-1815), including the Pioneers, Pontooneers, engineer services and medical service, detailing their organisation, equipment and uniforms in a volume complete with accompanying illustrations and colour plates.