The infantry was Wellington's favoured tool, and he played a major role in raising its standards of excellence. He used it carefully, on ground which he selected to give it maximum advantage and protection; and he came to understand its capabilities and weaknesses exactly. In this worthy addition to Opsrey's Men-at-Arms series, Bryan Fosten examines all aspects of Wellington's infantry, including army life, organisation, uniforms, drill, regimental distinctions, weapons and equipment, in an engaging text well-illustrated throughout including eight full page colour plates by the author himself.

In 1803 Sir John Moore's policy was to produce quick-thinking, intelligent, mobile soldiers capable of attacking on their own initiative. Old-style drill manuals, which still governed the training of the mass of British infantry, were set aside; and discipline was maintained, at least to some extent, by appeals to pride in self and unit rather than by the lash. In this companion volume to Men-at-Arms 114 Wellington's Infantry 1, Bryan Fosten provides an engaging account of the history and uniforms of the light infantry troops who served under Wellington, together with numerous illustrations including eight detailed full page colour plates by the author himself.