At the beginning of the Napoleonic period, the British Army's record left something to be desired. During the Peninsular War (1808-1814), however, Wellington led and trained an army that never knew a major defeat on the field. Even Wellington himself described his army as able to go anywhere or do anything. This book examines the formidable British Army which played an integral part in stalling Napoleon's advance, focusing on the staff, infantry, cavalry, artillery and sieges and sappers. Numerous illustrations, including eight color plates, vividly depict the weaponry and uniforms of Wellington's Peninsular Army.

Author Biography

Lieutenant-Colonel James Lawford was comissioned into the Indian Army in 1937 and the following year joined the 1st Battalion, the 16th Punjab Regiment. He served with this regiment until the disbandment of the old Indian Army in 1947, and then transferred to the Royal Artillery until his retirement in 1961. Colonel Lawford then went on to become a Senior Lecturer at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. Among his published works, he has edited a history of the 16th Punjab Regiment and co-edited The History of the British Army.