LIGHT HORSE AND MOUNTED RIFLE VOLUNTEERS 1860-1901

After the Crimean War, the French nation began to strengthen its army and improve its warships, a development which the British feared might lead to an invasion of the United Kingdom.Thus in 1859-1860 the populace was so disturbed that a vast volunteering movement took place and many companies and corps were formed to make themselves proficient with their weapons and to be prepared for any invasion.The infantry and artillery volunteers who formed at that time evolved in to the territorial force that continues today.But there was a movement to form mounted volunteers to fulfil duties involving movement and different tactics.These mounted rifles and the light horse which evolved from them, are the subject of this work, a task which has been over-looked and only now made available. Most of the corps disappeared, only the Fife and Forfar Light Horse continuing to still make a modern link.Officers came from the Household Cavalry and Foot Guards, even including a Victoria Cross winner, and other regular regiments.The Duke of Manchester was a pioneer in this form of mounted volunteers, totally different from the exisitng yeomanry, and as early as March 1860 appeared in a striking uniform of scarlet and silver.He recruited the Huntingdon Mounted Rifles, formed over several shires but the other mounted volunteers were formed in some 35 shires, in England, Scotland and Wales. Every officer who was commissioned into these cavalry units is named with details of his service and promotion. A section is devoted to the possible medal wearers, as are sections on training, equipment, etc. No opportunity has been neglected to portray the differing uniforms, unusual head-dresses with known badges and buttons.

Details


Product Code:	7396
Author:	W. Y. Carman
ISBN:	0 95 16065 1 4
Format:	188pp, b/w and colour illustrations, sb. Published Price £22
Shipping Time:	This item is usually dispatched Next Day
Our Price:	£9.95