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Gabriele Esposito

Armies of the Crimean War, 1853 1856: History, Organization and Equipment of the British, French, Turkish, Piedmontese and Russian forces

Armies of the Crimean War, 1853 1856: History, Organization and Equipment of the British, French, Turkish, Piedmontese and Russian forces

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  • More about Armies of the Crimean War, 1853 1856: History, Organization and Equipment of the British, French, Turkish, Piedmontese and Russian forces

The Crimean War was the first major European war since the Napoleonic Wars, involving Britain, France, Piedmont-Sardinia, and Russia. It was a conflict between the Ottoman Empire and Russia over control of the Black Sea. The armies of each nation were composed of a mix of regular European regiments and exotic units from their respective empires, such as Zouaves, Spahis, Foreign Legion, Tunisians, Egyptians, Balkan mountaineers, and Bashi-bazouks. Gabriele Esposito provides a detailed description of the composition, organization, uniforms, and weaponry of each force, accompanied by early black and white photos and color artworks.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 12 September 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd


The Crimean War, a pivotal moment in European history, marked the first major conflict since the conclusion of the Napoleonic Wars. It stands as Britain's sole war on the continent during the century spanning from Waterloo to World War I. The war unfolded when Russia invaded the provinces of the Ottoman Empire, prompting a response from the British, French, and later the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia. These nations intervened to restrict Russian expansion towards the Black Sea. The armies involved in this conflict showcased a diverse array of units, reflecting the eclectic mix of forces from different empires. The British infantry, known for their iconic scarlet tunics, formed the renowned "thin red line" at Balaklava, exemplifying the remnants of the Napoleonic era. In contrast, the French army included Zouaves and Spahis from North and West Africa, as well as the legendary Foreign Legion. The Ottomans fielded Tunisians and Egyptians alongside Balkan mountaineers and the infamous Bashi-bazouks. The Russians, true to their reputation, showcased their Cossacks, while the British employed German, Swiss, and Italian mercenaries. Gabriele Esposito, in his comprehensive work, delves into the composition, organization, uniforms, and weaponry of each force, accompanied by early black and white photographs and numerous color artworks. This detailed account provides a captivating glimpse into the history and characteristics of the Crimean War armies.

Weight: 796g
Dimension: 179 x 254 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399089852

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