Light infantry (or skirmishers) are soldiers whose job was to provide a skirmishing screen ahead of the main body of infantry, harassing and delaying the enemy advance. Light infantry was distinct from medium, heavy or line infantry. Heavy infantry were dedicated primarily to fighting in tight formations that were the core of large battles. Light infantry fought in open-order, often in close co-ordination with heavy infantry, where they could screen the heavy infantry from harassing fire, and the heavy infantry could intervene to protect the light infantry from attacks of enemy heavy infantry or cavalry. Heavy infantry originally had heavier arms and more armour than light infantry, but this distinction was lost as the use of armour declined and gunpowder weapons became standardized.
History of the light Infantry
Antiquity
The concept of a skirmishing screen is a very old one and was already well-established in Ancient Greece and Roman times in the form, for example, of the Greek peltast and psiloi, and the Roman velites. As with so called 'light infantry' of later periods, the term more adequately describes the role of such infantry rather than the actual weight of their equipment. Peltast equipment, for example, grew steadily heavier at the same time as hoplite equipment grew lighter. It was the fact that peltasts fought in open order as skirmishers that made them light infantry and that hoplites fought in the battle line in a phalanx formation that made them heavy infantry.
The regiment was formed on 10 July 1968 as a large regiment by the amalgamation of the four remaining light infantry regiments of the Light Infantry Brigade:
The remaining battalions remained in service until 1993 when they merged to form two battalions renamed 1st and 2nd Battalions.
Territorial Army
The Light Infantry Volunteers was formed in the Territorial Army on 1 April 1967 from the territorial battalions of the four predecessor regiments. On 1 August 1972 it was redesignated the 5th Battalion, The Light Infantry. It lost its Cornish company and its last Durham company in 1981, and in 1987 it lost its Yorkshire companies. On 1 July 1999 it amalgamated to form two companies of the new West Midlands Regiment.
Loyalists were American colonists who remained loyal to the BritishCrown during the American Revolutionary War. At the time they were often called Tories, Royalists, or King's Men; Patriots called them "persons inimical to the liberties of America." They were opposed by the Patriots, those who supported the revolution. When their cause was defeated, about 15% of the Loyalists or 65,000–70,000 fled to other parts of the British Empire, to Britain or elsewhere in British North America. The southern colonists moved mostly to Florida, which had remained loyal to the Crown, and to British Caribbean possessions, while northern colonists largely migrated to Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia, where they were called United Empire Loyalists. Most were compensated with Canadian land or British cash distributed through formal claims procedures.
Historians have estimated that between 15 and 20 percent of the 2.5 million whites in the colonies were Loyalists, or about 500,000 men, women and children. Numerous black Americans were also Loyalists. In Nova Scotia, the community of Birchtown was one of three communities settled by black Loyalists.
Light Infantry (Quick March of the Light Infantry)
Band of the Light Division
published: 17 Jul 2018
Gun & Gear setup for Light Infantry
Rifle and gear setup for Light Infantry shooting competition in Poland. Lekka Piechota 2023
¤ PT shop: https://polenartactical.com/shop/
¤ Support our channel: http://www.patreon.com/polenartactical
¤ IG shenanigans: http://instagram.com/PolenarTactical
¤ Elon MVP: https://twitter.com/PolenarTactical
Big thanks to Sellier&Bellot for supporting our broke asses with good ammo :)
FB: https://www.facebook.com/SellierBellotAmmunition
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sellier_bellot_official/
published: 14 Jul 2023
American Loyalist Song- "The British Light Infantry"
One of the hardest things to find is an American Loyalist song. I found a song however that was allegedly written by a Loyalist about the Kings soldiers fighting the rebels in the colonies.
I own nothing in this video. All credit goes to rightful owners. For educational and entertainment use only. Not made for monetary gain.
1:25 painting is by Robert Griffing. All credit goes to him.
published: 31 Dec 2017
Light Infantry Freedom of the Wear 1989
Freedom of the Wear Valley for the 7th Battalion the (Durham) Light Infantry and the 3rd Battalion Light Infantry given the Freedom of the Wear. 18th March 1989
The other half of this film will be uploaded soon and Thanks goes David Powell who provided the DVD for me to upload
published: 13 Dec 2015
THE LIGHT INFANTRY
Formation and collection of Light Infantrymen
published: 12 Feb 2021
A Man Among Men - The Rhodesian Light Infantry
published: 25 Aug 2016
Light Infantry Song
A tune of the American War of Independence.This song, celebrating the British Army Light Infantry, was printed in Rivington's Royal Gazette, at New York, in 1778. It was said to have been written by an Americal Loyalist.
_______________________________________________________
For battle prepared in their country's just cause
Their king to avenge and support all his laws,
As fierce as the tiger, as swift as the roe,
The British Light Infantry rush on their foe.
Though rebels unnumbered oppose their career
Their hearts are undaunted; they're strangers to fear;
No obstacles hinder, relentless they go
And death and destruction attend every blow.
The alarm of the drum and the cannon's loud roar,
The musket's quick flash, but inflames them the more.
No dangers dismay, for they fear no cont...
published: 29 May 2012
Who Were the British Light Infantry of the American War of Independence?
This video is sponsored by Blinkist. Go to https://blinkist.com/brandon to start your 7 day free trial with Blinkist and get 25% off of a Premium membership!
The stereotypical Redcoat was an unthinking machine- standing stock still in unyielding line formations while rebel sharpshooters took them out at a distance from cover. The reality could not be further from the truth! During the American War of Independence, the British army had some of the best Light Infantry in the world! So much so that they even began training their entire army, not just the elite units, to fight like them. In this video, I explain who these elite "flank company" soldiers were, how they were equipped and trained, and finally, how they fought.
The Weapons of the LI: https://youtu.be/gWWx9fXb0_8
And a great...
published: 30 Dec 2021
Rhodesian Light Infantry | Final Parade
On the 17th October 1980 the 1st Battalion The Rhodesian Light Infantry (the Saints) was disbanded and held their final parade. They displayed their colours and marched into history. The amazing story of the Incredible Rhodesian Light Infantry is history that deserves to be remembered. Thank God for the RLI!
Credit: Some of the scenes in this video came from Msasa Videos. More historical footage is available from their website at http://www.rhodesianvideos.co.za
Music by Epidemic Sound:
https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/7iur36/
If you enjoyed this please consider subscribing (it's free)
You can support this channel here ...🙏
https://paypal.me/johnvzyl or https://www.patreon.com/johnvanzyl
Rifle and gear setup for Light Infantry shooting competition in Poland. Lekka Piechota 2023
¤ PT shop: https://polenartactical.com/shop/
¤ Support our channel:...
Rifle and gear setup for Light Infantry shooting competition in Poland. Lekka Piechota 2023
¤ PT shop: https://polenartactical.com/shop/
¤ Support our channel: http://www.patreon.com/polenartactical
¤ IG shenanigans: http://instagram.com/PolenarTactical
¤ Elon MVP: https://twitter.com/PolenarTactical
Big thanks to Sellier&Bellot for supporting our broke asses with good ammo :)
FB: https://www.facebook.com/SellierBellotAmmunition
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sellier_bellot_official/
Rifle and gear setup for Light Infantry shooting competition in Poland. Lekka Piechota 2023
¤ PT shop: https://polenartactical.com/shop/
¤ Support our channel: http://www.patreon.com/polenartactical
¤ IG shenanigans: http://instagram.com/PolenarTactical
¤ Elon MVP: https://twitter.com/PolenarTactical
Big thanks to Sellier&Bellot for supporting our broke asses with good ammo :)
FB: https://www.facebook.com/SellierBellotAmmunition
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sellier_bellot_official/
One of the hardest things to find is an American Loyalist song. I found a song however that was allegedly written by a Loyalist about the Kings soldiers fightin...
One of the hardest things to find is an American Loyalist song. I found a song however that was allegedly written by a Loyalist about the Kings soldiers fighting the rebels in the colonies.
I own nothing in this video. All credit goes to rightful owners. For educational and entertainment use only. Not made for monetary gain.
1:25 painting is by Robert Griffing. All credit goes to him.
One of the hardest things to find is an American Loyalist song. I found a song however that was allegedly written by a Loyalist about the Kings soldiers fighting the rebels in the colonies.
I own nothing in this video. All credit goes to rightful owners. For educational and entertainment use only. Not made for monetary gain.
1:25 painting is by Robert Griffing. All credit goes to him.
Freedom of the Wear Valley for the 7th Battalion the (Durham) Light Infantry and the 3rd Battalion Light Infantry given the Freedom of the Wear. 18th March 1989...
Freedom of the Wear Valley for the 7th Battalion the (Durham) Light Infantry and the 3rd Battalion Light Infantry given the Freedom of the Wear. 18th March 1989
The other half of this film will be uploaded soon and Thanks goes David Powell who provided the DVD for me to upload
Freedom of the Wear Valley for the 7th Battalion the (Durham) Light Infantry and the 3rd Battalion Light Infantry given the Freedom of the Wear. 18th March 1989
The other half of this film will be uploaded soon and Thanks goes David Powell who provided the DVD for me to upload
A tune of the American War of Independence.This song, celebrating the British Army Light Infantry, was printed in Rivington's Royal Gazette, at New York, in 177...
A tune of the American War of Independence.This song, celebrating the British Army Light Infantry, was printed in Rivington's Royal Gazette, at New York, in 1778. It was said to have been written by an Americal Loyalist.
_______________________________________________________
For battle prepared in their country's just cause
Their king to avenge and support all his laws,
As fierce as the tiger, as swift as the roe,
The British Light Infantry rush on their foe.
Though rebels unnumbered oppose their career
Their hearts are undaunted; they're strangers to fear;
No obstacles hinder, relentless they go
And death and destruction attend every blow.
The alarm of the drum and the cannon's loud roar,
The musket's quick flash, but inflames them the more.
No dangers dismay, for they fear no control
But glory and conquest inspires every soul.
Whenever their foe stands arranged in their sight
With ardour impatient they pant for the fight
Rout, havoc confusion they spread through the field
And rebellion and treason are forced to yield.
A tune of the American War of Independence.This song, celebrating the British Army Light Infantry, was printed in Rivington's Royal Gazette, at New York, in 1778. It was said to have been written by an Americal Loyalist.
_______________________________________________________
For battle prepared in their country's just cause
Their king to avenge and support all his laws,
As fierce as the tiger, as swift as the roe,
The British Light Infantry rush on their foe.
Though rebels unnumbered oppose their career
Their hearts are undaunted; they're strangers to fear;
No obstacles hinder, relentless they go
And death and destruction attend every blow.
The alarm of the drum and the cannon's loud roar,
The musket's quick flash, but inflames them the more.
No dangers dismay, for they fear no control
But glory and conquest inspires every soul.
Whenever their foe stands arranged in their sight
With ardour impatient they pant for the fight
Rout, havoc confusion they spread through the field
And rebellion and treason are forced to yield.
This video is sponsored by Blinkist. Go to https://blinkist.com/brandon to start your 7 day free trial with Blinkist and get 25% off of a Premium membership!
...
This video is sponsored by Blinkist. Go to https://blinkist.com/brandon to start your 7 day free trial with Blinkist and get 25% off of a Premium membership!
The stereotypical Redcoat was an unthinking machine- standing stock still in unyielding line formations while rebel sharpshooters took them out at a distance from cover. The reality could not be further from the truth! During the American War of Independence, the British army had some of the best Light Infantry in the world! So much so that they even began training their entire army, not just the elite units, to fight like them. In this video, I explain who these elite "flank company" soldiers were, how they were equipped and trained, and finally, how they fought.
The Weapons of the LI: https://youtu.be/gWWx9fXb0_8
And a great reenactment group portraying them: https://www.facebook.com/40thBloodhounds
The book recommendations:
"Noble Volunteers," https://amzn.to/3EApVFS
"With Zeal and With Bayonets Only", https://amzn.to/3eCCN3H
Don's new book, "These Distinguished Corps," https://amzn.to/3EArdkc
Video Timestamps:
Introduction 00:00 - 00:57
Who Were the Lights? 00:58 - 03:36
Clothing & Equipment 03:37 - 09:49
Advertisement 09:50 - 12:54
Selection & Training 12:55 - 19:45
Their Organization 19:46 - 23:36
How they Fought 23:37 - 31:59
Conclusion 32:00 - 34:41
The editors,
Mugwumpey's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/mugwumpey
Jaron's website: https://www.summertimestudios.net/
You can learn more about my work at:
https://www.nativeoak.org/
If you'd like to support the channel, please consider giving on Patreon,
https://www.patreon.com/BrandonF
You can follow me on Facebook and Instagram!
https://www.facebook.com/TheNativeOak
https://www.instagram.com/brandonfisichella/
This video is sponsored by Blinkist. Go to https://blinkist.com/brandon to start your 7 day free trial with Blinkist and get 25% off of a Premium membership!
The stereotypical Redcoat was an unthinking machine- standing stock still in unyielding line formations while rebel sharpshooters took them out at a distance from cover. The reality could not be further from the truth! During the American War of Independence, the British army had some of the best Light Infantry in the world! So much so that they even began training their entire army, not just the elite units, to fight like them. In this video, I explain who these elite "flank company" soldiers were, how they were equipped and trained, and finally, how they fought.
The Weapons of the LI: https://youtu.be/gWWx9fXb0_8
And a great reenactment group portraying them: https://www.facebook.com/40thBloodhounds
The book recommendations:
"Noble Volunteers," https://amzn.to/3EApVFS
"With Zeal and With Bayonets Only", https://amzn.to/3eCCN3H
Don's new book, "These Distinguished Corps," https://amzn.to/3EArdkc
Video Timestamps:
Introduction 00:00 - 00:57
Who Were the Lights? 00:58 - 03:36
Clothing & Equipment 03:37 - 09:49
Advertisement 09:50 - 12:54
Selection & Training 12:55 - 19:45
Their Organization 19:46 - 23:36
How they Fought 23:37 - 31:59
Conclusion 32:00 - 34:41
The editors,
Mugwumpey's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/mugwumpey
Jaron's website: https://www.summertimestudios.net/
You can learn more about my work at:
https://www.nativeoak.org/
If you'd like to support the channel, please consider giving on Patreon,
https://www.patreon.com/BrandonF
You can follow me on Facebook and Instagram!
https://www.facebook.com/TheNativeOak
https://www.instagram.com/brandonfisichella/
On the 17th October 1980 the 1st Battalion The Rhodesian Light Infantry (the Saints) was disbanded and held their final parade. They displayed their colours and...
On the 17th October 1980 the 1st Battalion The Rhodesian Light Infantry (the Saints) was disbanded and held their final parade. They displayed their colours and marched into history. The amazing story of the Incredible Rhodesian Light Infantry is history that deserves to be remembered. Thank God for the RLI!
Credit: Some of the scenes in this video came from Msasa Videos. More historical footage is available from their website at http://www.rhodesianvideos.co.za
Music by Epidemic Sound:
https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/7iur36/
If you enjoyed this please consider subscribing (it's free)
You can support this channel here ...🙏
https://paypal.me/johnvzyl or https://www.patreon.com/johnvanzyl
On the 17th October 1980 the 1st Battalion The Rhodesian Light Infantry (the Saints) was disbanded and held their final parade. They displayed their colours and marched into history. The amazing story of the Incredible Rhodesian Light Infantry is history that deserves to be remembered. Thank God for the RLI!
Credit: Some of the scenes in this video came from Msasa Videos. More historical footage is available from their website at http://www.rhodesianvideos.co.za
Music by Epidemic Sound:
https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/7iur36/
If you enjoyed this please consider subscribing (it's free)
You can support this channel here ...🙏
https://paypal.me/johnvzyl or https://www.patreon.com/johnvanzyl
Rifle and gear setup for Light Infantry shooting competition in Poland. Lekka Piechota 2023
¤ PT shop: https://polenartactical.com/shop/
¤ Support our channel: http://www.patreon.com/polenartactical
¤ IG shenanigans: http://instagram.com/PolenarTactical
¤ Elon MVP: https://twitter.com/PolenarTactical
Big thanks to Sellier&Bellot for supporting our broke asses with good ammo :)
FB: https://www.facebook.com/SellierBellotAmmunition
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sellier_bellot_official/
One of the hardest things to find is an American Loyalist song. I found a song however that was allegedly written by a Loyalist about the Kings soldiers fighting the rebels in the colonies.
I own nothing in this video. All credit goes to rightful owners. For educational and entertainment use only. Not made for monetary gain.
1:25 painting is by Robert Griffing. All credit goes to him.
Freedom of the Wear Valley for the 7th Battalion the (Durham) Light Infantry and the 3rd Battalion Light Infantry given the Freedom of the Wear. 18th March 1989
The other half of this film will be uploaded soon and Thanks goes David Powell who provided the DVD for me to upload
A tune of the American War of Independence.This song, celebrating the British Army Light Infantry, was printed in Rivington's Royal Gazette, at New York, in 1778. It was said to have been written by an Americal Loyalist.
_______________________________________________________
For battle prepared in their country's just cause
Their king to avenge and support all his laws,
As fierce as the tiger, as swift as the roe,
The British Light Infantry rush on their foe.
Though rebels unnumbered oppose their career
Their hearts are undaunted; they're strangers to fear;
No obstacles hinder, relentless they go
And death and destruction attend every blow.
The alarm of the drum and the cannon's loud roar,
The musket's quick flash, but inflames them the more.
No dangers dismay, for they fear no control
But glory and conquest inspires every soul.
Whenever their foe stands arranged in their sight
With ardour impatient they pant for the fight
Rout, havoc confusion they spread through the field
And rebellion and treason are forced to yield.
This video is sponsored by Blinkist. Go to https://blinkist.com/brandon to start your 7 day free trial with Blinkist and get 25% off of a Premium membership!
The stereotypical Redcoat was an unthinking machine- standing stock still in unyielding line formations while rebel sharpshooters took them out at a distance from cover. The reality could not be further from the truth! During the American War of Independence, the British army had some of the best Light Infantry in the world! So much so that they even began training their entire army, not just the elite units, to fight like them. In this video, I explain who these elite "flank company" soldiers were, how they were equipped and trained, and finally, how they fought.
The Weapons of the LI: https://youtu.be/gWWx9fXb0_8
And a great reenactment group portraying them: https://www.facebook.com/40thBloodhounds
The book recommendations:
"Noble Volunteers," https://amzn.to/3EApVFS
"With Zeal and With Bayonets Only", https://amzn.to/3eCCN3H
Don's new book, "These Distinguished Corps," https://amzn.to/3EArdkc
Video Timestamps:
Introduction 00:00 - 00:57
Who Were the Lights? 00:58 - 03:36
Clothing & Equipment 03:37 - 09:49
Advertisement 09:50 - 12:54
Selection & Training 12:55 - 19:45
Their Organization 19:46 - 23:36
How they Fought 23:37 - 31:59
Conclusion 32:00 - 34:41
The editors,
Mugwumpey's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/mugwumpey
Jaron's website: https://www.summertimestudios.net/
You can learn more about my work at:
https://www.nativeoak.org/
If you'd like to support the channel, please consider giving on Patreon,
https://www.patreon.com/BrandonF
You can follow me on Facebook and Instagram!
https://www.facebook.com/TheNativeOak
https://www.instagram.com/brandonfisichella/
On the 17th October 1980 the 1st Battalion The Rhodesian Light Infantry (the Saints) was disbanded and held their final parade. They displayed their colours and marched into history. The amazing story of the Incredible Rhodesian Light Infantry is history that deserves to be remembered. Thank God for the RLI!
Credit: Some of the scenes in this video came from Msasa Videos. More historical footage is available from their website at http://www.rhodesianvideos.co.za
Music by Epidemic Sound:
https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/7iur36/
If you enjoyed this please consider subscribing (it's free)
You can support this channel here ...🙏
https://paypal.me/johnvzyl or https://www.patreon.com/johnvanzyl
Light infantry (or skirmishers) are soldiers whose job was to provide a skirmishing screen ahead of the main body of infantry, harassing and delaying the enemy advance. Light infantry was distinct from medium, heavy or line infantry. Heavy infantry were dedicated primarily to fighting in tight formations that were the core of large battles. Light infantry fought in open-order, often in close co-ordination with heavy infantry, where they could screen the heavy infantry from harassing fire, and the heavy infantry could intervene to protect the light infantry from attacks of enemy heavy infantry or cavalry. Heavy infantry originally had heavier arms and more armour than light infantry, but this distinction was lost as the use of armour declined and gunpowder weapons became standardized.
History of the light Infantry
Antiquity
The concept of a skirmishing screen is a very old one and was already well-established in Ancient Greece and Roman times in the form, for example, of the Greek peltast and psiloi, and the Roman velites. As with so called 'light infantry' of later periods, the term more adequately describes the role of such infantry rather than the actual weight of their equipment. Peltast equipment, for example, grew steadily heavier at the same time as hoplite equipment grew lighter. It was the fact that peltasts fought in open order as skirmishers that made them light infantry and that hoplites fought in the battle line in a phalanx formation that made them heavy infantry.
You make it sound easy You say just hold your hand out don't you You just hold your hand out don't you That hope never leaves you 'Cos a light shines on that helps you to steer Makes everything clear (Well it might) Well it might in your world (but it doesn't) But it doesn't in mine (I've been stumbling) I've been stumbling in the dark for years And the light just made me blind You say it lights every pathway Shows me how to live life For the rest of my days For the rest of my days (But I can't) But I can't put my faith in (Your words) Your words and demands (I believe) I believe in God alright It's folk like you I just can't stand You don't have to try and scare me To reinforce my faith sir 'Cos I know that one day I'll stand before my maker(And it I'm found) And if I'm found wanting (When my case) When my case is heard (It'll be) It'll be by the author Not some interpreter of his words You make it sound easy You say just hold your hand out don't you You just hold your hand out don't you That hope never leaves you 'Cos a light shines on that helps you to steer Makes everything clear (Well it might) Well it might in your world (but it doesn't) But it doesn't in mine (I've been stumbling) I've been stumbling in the dark for years And the light just made me blind Yeah the light just made me blind