Ben Townsend

Serjeant Weddeburne of the 95th Rifle Regiment: His Life and Work. Ben Townsend

In 1804 Serjeant William Weddeburne wrote his manual on the instruction of light infantry and rifle soldiers. He states in the preface that his intention was to instruct those volunteer forces who had assembled as auxiliaries to support the regular army in the event of invasion by the French. He used the system of training adopted by the 95th rifles on its formation. This book describes Weddeburne's service in the army, his subsequent life and a history of Weeley barracks where he wrote his book. A full text of this famously elusive manuscript is included, with an analysis of its place in the early development of light infantry training and tactics.