British Light Infantryman vs Patriot Rifleman

American Revolution 1775–83

British Light Infantryman vs Patriot Rifleman cover

Description

Fully illustrated, this book assesses the origins, equipment, and fighting styles of the irregular warfare specialists fighting on both sides during the American Revolutionary War.

Amid North America's often forested, broken, or rugged terrain, 18th-century armies came to rely on soldiers capable of fighting individually or in small groups. During the American Revolutionary War, rifle-armed companies were incorporated into the newly created Continental Army, while Patriot militiamen and partisans also made use of rifled weapons. Facing them were the British Army's light infantrymen; among the most experienced regular soldiers fighting for the Crown, they were joined by Loyalist units able to operate in dispersed formations and German hired troops skilled in open-order fighting, including the rifle-armed Jäger.

The strengths and limitations of both sides' open-order specialists are evaluated in this book, with particular focus upon three revealing battles: Harlem Heights (September 16, 1776), where the Patriots took heart from being able to hold their own in an escalating clash with Crown light forces; Freeman's Farm (September 19, 1777), where British light infantry engaged Patriot riflemen in notably rough terrain; and Hanging Rock (August 6, 1780), where Patriot riflemen and partisans attacked a Loyalist encampment, including Provincial Corps light infantry. Specially commissioned artwork, archive illustrations, and newly drawn mapping complement the authoritative text.

Table of Contents

Introduction
The Opposing Sides
Harlem Heights, September 16, 1776
Freeman's Farm, September 19, 1777
Hanging Rock, August 6, 1780
Analysis
Aftermath
Bibliography
Index

Product details

Published Apr 27 2023
Format Ebook (PDF)
Edition 1st
Extent 80
ISBN 9781472857958
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations Colour artwork plates and maps; black & white and colour photographs and illustrations.
Series Combat
Short code CBT 72
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Robbie MacNiven

Robbie MacNiven has a PhD in American Revolutionar…

Illustrator

Marco Capparoni

Specializing in history and military history, Marc…

Resources

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