Napoleon's Line Infantry

Osprey Men at Arms #141

by Philip J. Haythornthwaite, Philip J. Hayhornthwaite

Napoleon's line infantry was founded upon that of the Ancien Régime. 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 levée. 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.

Genres: Military History, History, Nonfiction, France

48 pages, Paperback

First published July 28, 1983

About the author

Philip J. Haythornthwaite (born 1951) is an internationally respected and prolific author and historical consultant specializing in military history, uniforms and equipment. Whilst his main area of research is the Napoleonic Wars, his impressive list of publications covers a much wider range of periods from the English Civil War until WWI.

Reviews

[Panu-Petteri Väänänen]

Not what I expected. A lot of the books length was spent on the uniforms, not so much on the tactical aspects of Line infantry in war. Useful if you're a miniatures painter, not so much to see otherwise.

[Jimmy]

Like other books in Osprey's Men-at-Arms series, this volume concentrates almost exclusively on the uniforms of the French troops, with only brief mentions of the organization of infantry units and the equipment used.

[Alaric Longward]

Throughly useful book. Much can be learnt in Google, but this is a compact, easy to read booklet that sets you one your way.