"Regulations of the Rifle Corps (95th)" Topic

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A new edition of the first standing orders of the 95th (Rifle) regiment. Details the early clothing and regulations of the corps. With extensive commentary and notes to place the orders in context over the fifteen year history of the regiment (1800-1815).

Ben, I am not sure about this. 1800 to 1815? The 95th wasn't created until 1803. I'm not sure there were specific "regulations" for the rifle corps separate the light infantry regulations issued in @ 1799. There is no mention of any such regulations at Moore's Scorncliffe [sp?] camp in 1806.

The book discription doesn't provide much info. It *sounds* like a compendium or collection rather than a specific set of regulations. The 'standing orders' are not regulations and changed over time, very much between Stewart's and Moore's command and after.

As far as I am aware the only official regulations were those for Light Infantry and Riflemen produced in 1798 (originally written by Rottenburg of 5/60th).

Rod

I am sure that Ben will confirm the details, but the Experimental Corps of Riflemen were formed in 1800 and it was this unit that became the 95th, so I don't see any problems here with dates. Neither is there a problem with the regulations, as this unit used regulations drawn up by Colonel Manningham in 1801, often referred to as the "Green Book".

The first paragraph of this work states:

The following regulations are destined for the instruction of the Officers and Rifle Men of Colonel Manningham's Regiment – they are upon these principle adopted by the best organised Corps in European Armies, and are intended to open the minds of those, to whom they are addressed, to the general nature of military duty, as well as to the peculiar system which is laid down for the Formation of the Regiment in question

MS:

I was under the impression that Stewart is the one who wrote up the 'Green Book' and itself was a compulation. David Gates writes:

"By now, [the end of 1802] Stewart's teaching programme had become quite advanced in its scope. The rifle corps's stainding orders--initially compiled at Blatchington and know as the 'Green Book'--were enlarged upon, while, during the spring of 1803 Mannignham delivered a series of lecutres to the regiment's officers."

page 89 of The British Light Infantry Arm.

Stewart went on to expand further on the Green Book in his 1806 Outline.

According to Gates, Jarry's treatise (1803)on light infantry "became one of the two principal manuals used by the army's light infantry." also p. 89 The other was Rottenburg Regulations for the Exercise of Riflemen.

All of which led me to assume that the book Ben is speaking of above is a compulation, lacking more explanation. It is unclear to me how long the 'Green Book' served as 'the regulations' or when it was completed, if that word can even be applied…1800 or 1802.

It's the book's content I am wondering about. What's included?

Thanks for the interest all. The book is an edition of the Green Book, which has Coote Manningham's name on it, but was effectively authored by Stewart. Written in 1800, but published in 1801, the Green Book is described by Stewart as a set of 'regulations' but is more recognisable to us as standing orders, being typical of period standing orders, but with a few innovations. The Green Book has not, as far as I am aware been re-oublished since Verner's C19th edition. This edition contains Verner's text, corrected by reference to Stewart's original manuscript. I have added a commentary and appendices to contrast and compare with other contemporary works and add more information. It also includes Coote Manningham's lectures on light infantry.
The Green Book is described by riflemen as staying current until Norcott's new standing orders superceded it. This is discussed further in my notes.
The second book in the series, which is at the printers now, covers the light infantry regulations used by the regiment (I have referred to the progression of experimental rifle corps, to rifle corps to 95th here as one entity for simplicity, but the book clearly differentiates). In compiling the second book, I have paid particular attention to those elements that were demonstrably used by the 95th. In my opinion, these were DeRottenburgh (and the Dundas LI section), Stewart's own unpublished manual, Weddeburne's manual, Campbell, and lastly I include notes made by officers studying under MacKenzie at Shorncliffe. So there is plenty of new material. I reach a few conclusions that differ from Gates or Fuller, and by including the full text of the original material I hope to enable the reader to draw his own inclusions.

Ben:

Ah, terrific. Thank you for all the detail on what the book provides. Very interesting indeed. It looks like the book follows the ongoing practices and developments of the Rifle Corps. Your description above would be a great 'blurb' for the book.

Bill