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The Light Division In The Peninsular War 1811 1814: The Definitive Historical Account

DeShawn Powell

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The Light Division was one of the most famous and successful fighting formations in the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars. It was formed in 1803 and served throughout the Peninsular War, from 1808 to 1814. The division was commanded by some of the most famous British generals of the era, including Sir John Moore, Sir Arthur Wellesley (later the Duke of Wellington),and Sir Thomas Graham.

The Light Division was renowned for its speed, mobility, and fighting ability. It was often used as a vanguard or rearguard, and was frequently involved in some of the most intense fighting of the war. The division also played a key role in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

The Light Division in the Peninsular War, 1811–1814

by Edward Hancock

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The Formation of the Light Division

The Light Division was formed in 1803 as part of a wider reorganization of the British Army. The division was intended to be a light infantry force, capable of moving quickly and fighting in difficult terrain. The division was initially composed of four regiments: the 43rd (Monmouthshire) Regiment of Foot, the 52nd (Oxfordshire) Regiment of Foot, the 95th (Rifles) Regiment of Foot, and the 60th (Royal American) Regiment of Foot.

The Peninsular War

The Light Division first saw action in the Peninsular War in 1808. The division was part of Sir John Moore's army that was sent to Portugal to help the Portuguese resist the French invasion. The division fought in several battles during Moore's campaign, including the Battle of Corunna in 1809.

After Moore's death, the Light Division was commanded by Sir Arthur Wellesley. Wellesley led the division to victory in several battles, including the Battle of Talavera in 1809 and the Battle of Bussaco in 1810. The division also played a key role in the siege of Ciudad Rodrigo in 1812 and the siege of Badajoz in 1812.

In 1813, the Light Division was commanded by Sir Thomas Graham. Graham led the division to victory in the Battle of Vitoria in 1813 and the Battle of the Pyrenees in 1813. The division also played a key role in the Battle of Nivelle in 1813 and the Battle of the Nive in 1813.

The Battle of Waterloo

The Light Division also played a key role in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. The division was part of the Duke of Wellington's army that defeated the French army under Napoleon Bonaparte. The division fought in the center of the British line and helped to repel the French cavalry charges.

The Legacy of the Light Division

The Light Division was one of the most famous and successful fighting formations in the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars. The division was renowned for its speed, mobility, and fighting ability. The division also played a key role in several of the most important battles of the war, including the Battle of Waterloo.

The Light Division was disbanded in 1816, but its legacy lives on. The division's traditions are still carried on by the modern British Army. The Light Division is also remembered in the names of several British Army units, including the Light Dragoons and the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

The Light Division in the Peninsular War, 1811–1814

by Edward Hancock

4.9 out of 5