This two-volume work, published between 1832 and 1837 by the officer and antiquary North Ludlow Beamish (1797–1872), is the definitive account of what was effectively the Hanoverian army in exile. With their country overrun by Napoleon in 1803, thousands of officers and men made their way to England to form the King's German Legion (KGL), which consisted of several regiments of cavalry and infantry, as well as artillery and engineers. The KGL was a superb fighting force that saw widespread service as part of the British Army from 1804 until 1815. It provided Wellington with arguably his finest cavalry during the Peninsular War and Waterloo Campaign. Based upon eyewitness accounts and written records of the KGL's officers and men, this work remains of enduring value to military historians. Volume 1 traces the legion's progress from its formation in 1803 through to May 1811.
Contents
Preface; 1. Situation of the electorate of Hanover on the breaking out of the war; 2. Unhappy mode adopted by ministers; 3. Wallmoden takes the command of the army at Celle; 4. Mutiny of the Hanoverian heavy cavalry brigade; 5. Feelings of the king; 6. Rapid organization of the new corps; 7. Eight thousand of the legion embark for Rügen; 8. Strong sally of the enemy; 9. Effects of the late gale; 10. Column is suddenly ordered to countermarch; 11. Narrative of the retreat; 12. Success of the French in Spain; 13. The first hussars of the legion join the army in Portugal; 14. Expedition to the Scheldt; 15. Appearance of Flushing; 16. Duties of the German regiments in Sicily; 17. Condition of the British and German troops after the Battle of Talavera; 18. Unsuccessful attempt of General Craufurd; 19. Humanity toward a body of wounded French; 20. Operation in the Isle of Leon; 21. State of the armies in Portugal; 22. Retreat of Massena; Appendix.
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