Date of Award

1998

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

History

Abstract

The first chapter of this study of the 95th examines the long struggle through the eighteenth century to create an adequately trained and equipped corps of riflemen in the British Army, culminating in the creation of the Experimental Rifle Corps in 1800. Experiences in North America, the West Indies and Europe that bear relevance will be examined along with those individuals whose experience or works influenced the creation of the 95th. The second chapter investigates the organization and new discipline of the Experimental Rifle Corps, its drafting into the line as the 95th, Sir John Moore's camp at Shorncliffe and his system of training. Chapter three examines the doctrine of the riflemen, how they were to be employed as protection for the army on the move, while in camp and in battle. The final chapter covers the actual experience of the 95th in the Peninsular, examining the defense of Portugal from the close of the Talavera campaign of 1809 to the opening of the Fuentes de Onoro campaign of 1811. Close attention is paid to operations along the Coa in the spring and summer of 1810. Here the 95th operated along with the rest of the Light Division as outposts for the entire British Army, never once allowing the French to break through their line, or passing on inaccurate information to Sir Arthur Wellesley. It is therefore a study of the tactics of a single regiment and its influence on the course of a series of campaigns.

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