French Infantry during the Seven Years' War 1756-1763 Volume 2

This second volume of French Infantry During the Seven Years War 1756-1763 covers the regiments, and especially their uniforms and distinctions. This is the first comprehensive publication on the state of the French infantry during the Seven Years War, with a complete study of all contemporary sources, such as the Etat militaires from 1754 to 1763, contemporary manuscripts, publications, and artworks. This book brings together a whole range of documents to form a reference work on the evolution of French infantry uniforms during the Seven Years War.

This period marks the first appearance of many aspects of later military uniforms. For example, epaulettes were introduced. This little piece of cloth edged with fringes was initiated by Maréchal de Belle Isle in 1759, and spread to armies all over the world, sometimes taking on impressive proportions. And even though today they are only found on the ceremonial uniforms of modern troops, they have long identified the soldier’s silhouette.

Richly illustrated, this book will be useful to all researchers of the military history of the Seven Years’ War, re-enactors, wargamers and miniature painters.