History of the King's German Legion

Published between 1832 and 1837, this two-volume work covers the history of a famous military unit between 1803 and 1816.

North Ludlow Beamish (Author)

9781108054218, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 11 October 2012

444 pages, 7 colour illus. 4 maps
21.6 x 14 x 2.5 cm, 0.56 kg

This two-volume work, published between 1832 and 1837 by the officer and antiquary North Ludlow Beamish (1797–1872), is the definitive account of what was effectively the Hanoverian army in exile. With their country overrun by Napoleon in 1803, thousands of officers and men made their way to England to form the King's German Legion (KGL), which consisted of several regiments of cavalry and infantry, as well as artillery and engineers. The KGL was a superb fighting force that saw widespread service as part of the British Army from 1804 until 1815. It provided Wellington with arguably his finest cavalry during the Peninsular War and Waterloo Campaign. Based upon eyewitness accounts and written records of the KGL's officers and men, this work remains of enduring value to military historians. Volume 1 traces the legion's progress from its formation in 1803 through to May 1811.

Preface
1. Situation of the electorate of Hanover on the breaking out of the war
2. Unhappy mode adopted by ministers
3. Wallmoden takes the command of the army at Celle
4. Mutiny of the Hanoverian heavy cavalry brigade
5. Feelings of the king
6. Rapid organization of the new corps
7. Eight thousand of the legion embark for Rügen
8. Strong sally of the enemy
9. Effects of the late gale
10. Column is suddenly ordered to countermarch
11. Narrative of the retreat
12. Success of the French in Spain
13. The first hussars of the legion join the army in Portugal
14. Expedition to the Scheldt
15. Appearance of Flushing
16. Duties of the German regiments in Sicily
17. Condition of the British and German troops after the Battle of Talavera
18. Unsuccessful attempt of General Craufurd
19. Humanity toward a body of wounded French
20. Operation in the Isle of Leon
21. State of the armies in Portugal
22. Retreat of Massena
Appendix.

Subject Areas: Military history [HBW]