David Hollins - Böcker

The Austrian artillery of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars was a creation of the renowned Lichtenstein system of the early 1750s. This weight system produced a series of weapons of 3-, 6- and 12-pdr. calibre along with 7- and 10-pdr. Howitzers. In the 1780s they were joined by cavalry artillery guns with their 'Wurst' seats. In 1811 Austria also began the establishment of rocket troops based upon the British invention, whilst their heavy and siege pieces throughout the period remained the 12-, 18- and 24-pdrs. This title by David Hollins describes this system as well as its operational use throughout the period.

Hungary was the home of the elite Hussar. These skilled, daring and flamboyant light cavalrymen were first drawn for Hapsburg service from what is now northern Croatia, Serbia, Slovakia and Hungary in the late 17th century. It was not long before most nations in Europe adopted both Hussar formations, uniform and equipment, notably France, Britain and Prussia. This title covers a dynamic and glamorous period, during which the Hussars were increasingly regulated within the Hapsburg army, and developments took place in clothing, weaponry and equipment, notably the introduction of short carbines and rifles. Battlefield tactics, campaign life, and famous episodes of derring-do are also given full treatment, making this a packed, colourful and fascinating study of the Hungarian Hussar.

The Austrian Army fought Napoleon in more major campaigns and battles than any other, either alone or as part of successive Allied coalitions. This book examines the multi-national character of the army that makes it intriguing and colourful - the Austrian generals were a much more varied group, in background and character, than those of many other armies of the day. They were far from all being Germanic princes and nobles; many were Western "soldiers of fortune" or exiles, of German, French or even Anglo-Irish background; some were from the East - Hungarians and Yugoslavians; some were of humble birth - including one who rose from common soldier to chief of staff. The book describes commanders of the most famous Napoleonic battles including Marengo, Austerlitz, Aspem-Essling, Wagram and Leipzig, analyzing how individual strengths, weaknesses and characters affected the outcome of many of the most famous battles of the day.

During the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years' War, the Austrian empire's eastern frontiers were guarded against the Turks by a savage and colourful militia. When posted west to join the Austrian field armies as light infantry in conventional campaigns, their exploits were legendary. Notoriously, they captured Frederick the Great's treasure chest at the battle of Hohenfriedburg (1745). The corps included sharpshooters, cavalry scouts, gunners, and crews of armed river boats, all of which are studied here, with attention to uniforms, weaponry and fighting styles. Their colourful costumes - from barbaric Balkan bandit gear to the more formal Austrian Line uniforms - are all described and illustrated.

Austrian troops played a part in almost every major campaign of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars. Austria was probably Napolean's most implacable enemy and, after France, fielded the most formidable army of the period. The troops were recruited from territories as diverse as modern Belgium, the Czech Republic, central Romania and northern Italy, along with volunteers from southern Germany and a few Irishmen. This volume looks at the life and experience of both the ordinary infantry and the veteran elite of the Grenadier battalions, covering everything from their basic training to the horrors of the battlefield.