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)

9781108054225, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 11 October 2012

726 pages, 1 b/w illus. 5 maps
21.6 x 14 x 4 cm, 0.91 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 2 continues the narrative from May 1811, via the Battle of Waterloo, to the legion's disbandment in February 1816.

Letter from major-general von Berger to the author
1. First siege of Badajos
2. The allied force united behind Guinaldo
3. Preparations for the siege of Ciudad Rodrigo
4. Salamanca evacuated by the enemy
5. Combat of Garcia Hernandez
6. Operation of Hill's corps during the month of March
7. Operations in the north of Germany in 1813
8. Peninsular campaign of 1813
9. Operations under General Wallmoden
10. Operations of Wallmoden's corps continued
11. Operations in the peninsular after the battle of Vittoria
12. Siege of St Sebastian
13. Operations of Lord William Bentinck
14. Campaign of 1814
15. Lord Wellington decides on attacking Soult
16. Operations of the Anglo-Sicilian army
17. Campaign of Waterloo
Appendix.

Subject Areas: Military history [HBW]