On His Majesty’s Service: The British Infantry During the American Revolution

 

   Philip R.N. Katcher’s  "I'mEncyclopedia of British, Provincial, and German Army Units 1775-1783"  was one of the first books I bought.   Filled with good details of regimental  history and neat pictures of Reenactors (many who I latter met) it is still a treasured item in my library.   Has served as an important  reference to the Crown forces during the American Rev War.   It is still one of the only sources for  uniform information about Loyalists and Hessian/German regiments.  Sadly, new research has marched on and there are a number of errors and misrepresented in the book.  

  Enter this new reference book , "On His Majesty’s Service: The British Infantry during the American Revolution" by by Steven M. Baule and Ryan R. Gale.  This new book contains all the information found in Katcher's book about the British army but its updated and more detailed.  Each regiment is given a history of its service during the war and it's listing of engagements.  Uniform information such as facing colors, buttons and regimental lace patterns are illustrated.  There is a color drawings of each regiment and numerous photographs of artifacts. Lastly there is often interesting information suck as a break down of ages or occupation and length service for rank and file.   The book opens with a introductory chapter on British infantry organization, who the officer corps were, demographics and recruitment, desertion, discipline, uniforms, accoutrements, arms, training and tactics, and army leadership.  All very very useful.