German Troops in the American Revolution (2): Braunschweig, Waldeck, Hessen-Hanau, Ansbach-Bayreuth, and Anhalt-Zerbst

Fully illustrated, this is the second volume in a detailed study of the German auxiliary troops who fought for Britain in the American Revolutionary War.

During the American Revolutionary War (1775-83), German auxiliary troops provided a vital element of the British war effort. While the largest body of German troops was from Hessen-Cassel (see the first volume of this study), the British also fielded troops from Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel, Hessen-Hanau, Waldeck and Pyrmont, Brandenburg Ansbach and Brandenburg-Bayreuth, and Anhalt-Zerbst. This volume also covers the Hanoverian soldiers involved in the sieges of Gibraltar and Menorca.

Fighting on a host of battlefields from Saratoga to Yorktown, these hired soldiers provided the Crown Forces with much-needed manpower and contributed crucial combat skills in the form of the Jäger, renowned specialists in open-order warfare. Featuring eight specially commissioned artwork plates and an array of carefully chosen illustrations, many in colour, this lively study examines the organization, uniforms, weapons and equipment of these troops who fought for King George in the New World.

Donald M. Londahl-Smidt served in the US Air Force, retiring with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He is a Fellow and former Governor of the Company of Military Historians, and a Director and member of the Editorial Board of the Johannes Schwalm Historical Association. He has a strong interest in the uniforms and military and naval history of the American Revolutionary War and has contributed to a number of historical publications including Military Collector & Historian, Military Uniforms in America, Military Portraiture, and The Hessians: Journal of the Johannes Schwalm Historical Association.

Jeff Trexler studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia and now works as a professional illustrator working on numerous private and corporate commissions. He has a particular love for historical subjects and counts Don Troiani among his influences. This is Jeff’s first book for Osprey.