Osprey Men-at-Arms 176 : Austrian Army of the Napoleonic Wars (1) : Infantry

The most implacable of Napoleon's continental enemies, at the outbreak of war Austria maintained a vast army, but one rooted firmly in the 18th century. Hampered by the inherent conservatism of the hierarchy, the Austrians had to fight the most modern army in Europe. Despite this the regulars, who were drawn from many territories under Austrian sway, performed with great discipline, resolution and stoicism. Philip Haythornthwaite examines in detail the organisation, uniforms and deployment of Austrian infantry troops, covering Line infantry, Light infantry, Grenz-Infanterie, Landwehr militia, and Frei-Corps units, and documents the significant changes to the infantry formations that were instigated in the course of the Napoleonic Wars. Accompanied by illustrations by Bryan Fosten.

Contents

• The Austrian Army
• Infantry - Organisation and Tactics
• Uniforms - Line Infantry
• Frei-Corps
• Light Infantry
• Jagers
• Grenz-Infanterie
• Landwehr
• The Plates