The Light Division in the Peninsular War, 1808-1811

by Tim Saunders, Rob Yuill

Overview

The evolution and pivotal role of Wellington's Light Division in the Peninsular campaigns emphasized strategic innovations and experiences of light infantry soldiers beyond conventional battle narratives.

Histories of the Light Division have tended to be incomplete, being based on memoirs of a few well known diarists, principally from the 95th Rifles. The authors of this book, the first volume of two, have sought memoirs from across the division, including the artillery, the King’s German Hussars and others to complete a broader history of Wellington’s elite division.

Light infantry was not new a concept in 1803, but at Shorncliffe Camp Sir John Moore developed a progressive ethos, set of tactics and training for the newly converted light infantry regiments. With the 95th Rifles they were melded into a brigade that was to form the basis of the incomparable Light Division.

From the outset of the Peninsular campaigns in 1808 they delivered results way beyond their scant numbers, but it was during the epic winter retreat to La Corunna that they showed their metal. Returning to the Peninsular months later, the irascible Brigadier Craufurd led the Light Brigade in terrible march to reach Wellington at Talavera; heavily laden and in the heat of summer.

Over the winter of 1809/10, Craufurd's battalions, now elevated to the status of a division, provided the army’s outposts. This was work that Craufurd excelled in and actions abounded, including the Combat on the Côa, where the division fought hard to escape Marshal Ney’s trap.

In 1810, with Wellington withdrawing to the Lines of Torres Vedra, the Light Division played a significant part in the battle of Buçaco Ridge, while the following year they drove Marshal Masséna’s army back into Spain having fought almost daily actions en route.

This history of the Light Division is not simply a series of set piece battles but provides a wider picture of campaigning and what it was to be a light infantry soldier.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781526757326
Publisher:	Pen and Sword
Publication date:	05/13/2020
Pages:	232
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

Tim Saunders served as an infantry officer with the British Army for thirty years, during which time he took the opportunity to visit campaigns far and wide, from ancient to modern. Since leaving the Army he has become a full time military historian, with this being his sixteenth book, has made nearly fifty full documentary films with Battlefield History and Pen & Sword. He is an active guide and Accredited Member of the Guild of Battlefield Guides.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements vi

Foreword vii

Introduction ix

1 Origins of the British Light Infantry 1

2 The First Peninsular Campaign, 1808 15

3 Sir John Moore's Campaign in Spain 47

4 The Retreat to Corunna 73

5 Return to the Peninsula and the 1809 Campaign 107

6 Outpost Duties, 1810 135

7 Combat on the Côa 163

8 The Battle of Buçaco Ridge 177

9 The Lines of Torres Vedras and Winter 1810-1811 205

10 The Pursuit to Spain, March 1811 221

11 Fuentes de Oñoro 255

Appendix: Craufurd's Standing Orders 271

Notes 291

Index 299

Editorial Reviews

"A good read, even those familiar with the period and the Peninsular War will likely find this useful."

The NYMAS Review