During the Napoleonic Wars all the major combatants fielded large numbers of light cavalry.
These nimble, fast-moving regiments performed a variety of vital roles, from reconnaissance and keeping contact with the enemy during the movement of armies, to raiding, skirmishing, and the pursuit to destruction of beaten enemies. In practice, light cavalry were often also employed for battlefield charges alongside the heavy cavalry. Featuring period illustrations and specially commissioned colour artwork, this is the second volume of a two-part study of the cavalry tactics of the armies of Napoleon and those of his allies and opponents.
Written by a leading authority on the period, it draws upon drill manuals and later writings to offer a vivid assessment of how light cavalry actually fought on the Napoleonic battlefield.
Autorentext
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.
Inhalt
Introduction
Weaponry and equipment, and how they affected tactical employment
Organization of units - special cases: Lancers, Cossacks, etc.
Theoretical doctrine, and training - formations and tactics
Actual battlefield deployments - their success or failure
Leadership
Logistics - procurement, supply and care of horses
Plate commentaries
Index