The Light Division in the Peninsular War, 1808-1811

by Tim Saunders, Rob Yuill

Overview

This regimental history chronicles the legendary exploits of the British Army’s Light Division against Napoleon in Spain and Portugal.

From the outset of the Peninsular campaigns in 1808, the Light Division achieved 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 Peninsula months later, the irascible Brigadier Robert Craufurd led the Light Brigade on a terrible march to meet General Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington, at Talavera.

The Light Division played significant roles in the Battle of the River Côa, where the riflemen fought hard to escape Marshal Ney’s trap; the Battle of Buçaco Ridge, the Battle of Salamanca, and many others. More than a simple series of battle scenes, however, this history of the Light Division provides a wider picture of campaigning during the Napoleonic Wars and sheds light on the life of a 19th century light infantry soldier.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781526757333
Publisher:	Pen & Sword Books Limited
Publication date:	04/01/2021
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	232
File size:	160 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

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