BRITISH LINE INFANTRY (NAPOLEONIC WARS)

During the Napoleonic Wars (1799-1815), the infantry was often considered the best type of weapon in the British army. In 1806, it had about 160,000 people - including the so-called The King's German Legion. It is worth adding that the basic unit of British infantry on the battlefield was the battalion, while the regiment was more often perceived as an administrative unit. It is also worth adding that a single British regiment could have very different strength ranging from 1 to 3-4 battalions, and in the case of the 60th Foot Regiment - even 7 battalions! It is also worth adding that during the fights on the Iberian battalions of British regular infantry were formed into divisions. For example, in 1813, the 2nd Division (commander general Stewart) had 5,800 infantrymen in 9 battalions, but already in the 7th Division (commander gen. Le Cor) - already 3,500 men in 7 battalions. In turn, a single battalion was usually divided into 10 companies. The vast majority of British infantry regiments wore red uniform heels and gray trousers. It is also worth adding that the British infantry was highly disciplined and had good, or even very good, shooting training. She also often fought in a 2-row formation. Undoubtedly, the British line infantry, under the appropriate command, was a very difficult and demanding opponent for the French troops.