Napoleon's Infantry Handbook

Incredible detail on every aspect of the infantrymans daily life, from weapons drill and unit organisation to hygiene and cooking regulations, field punishments and hair styles etc.

If not a field marshal's baton, what did Napoleon's soldiers really carry in their backpacks? Napoleon's Infantry Handbook is an essential reference guide, filled with fascinating detail on the training, tactics, equipment, service and administration of Napoleon's infantry regiments. Based on contemporary training manuals, regulations and orders, Napoleon's Infantry Handbook details the everyday routines and practises which governed the imperial army up to the Battle of Waterloo and made it one of history's most formidable military machines.

Through years of research, Terry Crowdy has amassed a huge wealth of information on every aspect of the infantryman's existence, from weapons drill and maintenance, uniform regulations, pay, diet, cooking regulations, hygiene and latrine digging, medical care, burial of the dead, how to apply for leave and so on. This remarkable book fills in the gaps left by campaign histories and even eyewitness memoirs, which often omit such details. This book doesn't merely recount what Napoleon's armies did, it explains how they did it. The result is a unique guide to the everyday life of Napoleon's infantry soldiers.

About the Author

Terry Crowdy is a well-established military historian with particular interest in the Napoleonic period, though his many previous books also include works on other conflicts and the history of espionage. His fascination with Napoleon's army led him to be a keen reenactor for many years. He works for the Royal Palaces, based in Hampton Court. He lives in Rainham, Kent.

20 b/w illustrations