The commissioned officer ranks in the British Army from 1740-1815 were almost entirely composed of the affluent and educated - the sons of the landed gentry, the wealthy, and other professional people. This title looks at the enlistment, training, daily life and combat experiences of the typical British officer in the crucial periods of the North American conflicts, the American Revolution, and the Napoleonic Wars. It compliments the author's previous treatments in Warrior 19 British Redcoat 1740-93 and Warrior 20 British Redcoat (2) 1793-1815, which deal exclusively with the common infantryman, and balances these discussions through a look at the 'fellows in silk stockings'. Particular emphasis is placed on the experiences and activities in North America in the late 18th century.

Introduction · Chronology · The structure of an infantry regiment · The officers · Purchase and promotion · A sense of belonging · Training · Appearance and equipment · Conditions of service · On campaign · Into battle · Aftermath of battle · Retirement · Collections, museums and re-enactment · Colour plate commentary · Further reading · Index

Stuart Reid was born in Aberdeen 1954; married with one son his past careers include being a librarian and a professional soldier. Stuart's main focus of interest lies in the 18th and 19th centuries stemming from ancestors who served in the British Army and the Company and who fought at Culloden, Bunker's Hill and even in the Texas Revolution. His previous works for Osprey include the highly acclaimed King George's Army 1740-93 (3 vols) and British Redcoat 1740-1815 (2 vols).