The Redcoats of Wellington's Light Division in the Peninsular War: Unpublished and Rare Memoirs of the 52nd Regiment of Foot

The Light Division, known for its famous green uniforms, was actually composed of troops dressed in red uniforms who spent most of their time formed as regular infantry. Gareth Glover has unearthed a collection of short memoirs from soldiers of the 52nd (Oxfordshire) Regiment, which will add to our understanding of the role of the Light Division in the Peninsular War.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 02 February 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The Light Division, a renowned and celebrated unit within Wellington's army during the Peninsular War, holds a revered status as the most illustrious force within its ranks. Often leading the charge into every battle and standing as the last to retreat, the men of the Light Division were meticulously trained to operate autonomously, exercising independent thinking and functioning seamlessly within their battalion formations. The regiments that formed the backbone of this division were present at nearly every significant encounter, whether grand or small, throughout the entirety of the Peninsular War. While many individuals associate the Light Division with the valiant men of the 95th Rifles, known for their distinctive green uniforms featured in the Sharpe novels, it is important to recognize that the majority of its composition consisted of troops dressed in traditional red uniforms. These soldiers, while equally skilled in skirmishing as light infantry, primarily engaged in conventional infantry combat, forming lines, columns, or squares.

The 95th Rifles boasts a remarkable roster of memorialists, including numerous renowned figures such as Kincaid, Harry Smith, Harris, Costello, Leach, Simmons, and many others. Their narratives have been widely published and reprinted countless times, solidifying their place in military history. However, the 52nd Foot, the pioneering regiment of the Light Division to undergo training as light infantry, has until now been largely underrepresented in historical accounts.

After years of diligent research, Gareth Glover has uncovered a collection of short memoirs from soldiers of the 52nd (Oxfordshire) Regiment, which have remained unpublished until now. Additionally, one memoir previously published but now virtually unobtainable has been included in this remarkable trove. The significance of this collection cannot be overstated, as it will undoubtedly provide a vital addition to our understanding of the role of the Light Division both in battle and during campaigns.

Through the narratives shared by these soldiers, we gain a deeper appreciation of the challenges and hardships they faced, as well as the bravery and resilience they displayed on the battlefield. The insights they offer shed light on the strategies, tactics, and camaraderie that characterized the Light Division, contributing to our understanding of this iconic military unit and its contributions to the history of the Peninsular War.

In conclusion, the Light Division's reputation as the most famous force within Wellington's army during the Peninsular War is well-deserved. The men of this division were trained to excel in independent thinking, teamwork, and conventional infantry combat, making them a formidable force on the battlefield. The discovery of unpublished memoirs from soldiers of the 52nd (Oxfordshire) Regiment adds a significant dimension to our understanding of the Light Division's role and achievements, providing a valuable contribution to military history and scholarship.

Weight: 604g
Dimension: 240 x 165 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399084963