Napoleon's infantry handbook

"Based on contemporary training manuals, regulations and orders, [this] details the everyday routines and practises which governed the imperial army up to the Battle of Waterloo and made it one of history's most formidable military machines. Through years of research, Terry Crowdy has amassed a huge wealth of information on every aspect of the infantryman's existence, from weapons drill and maintenance, uniform regulations, pay, diet, cooking regulations, hygiene and latrine digging, medical care, burial of the dead, how to apply for leave and so on. This remarkable book fills in the gaps left by campaign histories and even eyewitness memoirs, which often omit such details. This book doesn't merely recount what Napoleon's armies did, it explains how they did it. The result is a unique guide to the everyday life of Napoleon's infantry soldiers"--Publisher's description.

A guide to terms and measures from Napoleonic France -- Part I: Organisation & personnel. The infantry regiments -- Officers of the Staff -- Men of the Petty Staff -- Company personnel -- Non-combatant personnel -- Special roles & appointments -- Part II: Uniform, arms & equipment. Uniform: general description -- Articles of uniform -- Headgear & hairstyles -- Equipment -- Weapons & ammunition -- Flags -- Part III: Recruitment & administration. Recruitment & conscription -- Administration & pay -- Promotion & rewards -- Civil matters -- Part IVL Discipline & honours. Discipline & military justice -- Rendering military honours.

Part V: Tactical organiation & drill. Tactical organisation -- Arms drill -- Marching & manoeuvres -- Musketry -- Skirmishing -- Part VI: Garrison service. Duties & routines -- Rations & supplies -- Food preparation -- Cleaning & maintenance -- Training -- Part VII: Service in the field. Opening the campaign -- The day of battle -- Part VIII: Health & medical provision. Health & hygiene -- Medical treatment.