Smith, Digby German States Against Napoleon. Brunswickers, Russo-German Legion and Saxon Duchies (1796-1815)

This volume covers minor German states that fought against the French (1796-1815) based upon three regimental histories. In 1809, the Black Brunswickers made their valiant march to the North Sea after the defeat of Austria. They fought in Spain (1810-14) and at Quatre Bras and Waterloo. The Russo-German Legion was formed by the Russians from mainly German "Volunteers" in 1812 before it transferred to British pay. The rifle armed Saxe-Weimar Scharfschützen Battalion fought with the Prussians at Auerstedt in 1806. In 1807, the contingent formed the III/4th Rheinbund "Saxon Duchies" Regiment that fought in the Tyrol (1809), the Peninsular War (1810-11), near Vilnius in 1812 and the defence of Danzig (1813). The captured Thuringian Battalion fought against Napoleon at Leipzig (1813).

The Russian-German Legion was formed by the Russians in 1812 from mainly German "volunteers" before being transferred to British pay. The Saxony-Weimar Sharpshooter Battalion, armed with rifles, fought against the Prussians at Auerstedt in 1806. In 1807, the contingent formed the III Battalion/4th Rhine Confederation Regiment "Saxon Duchies", which fought in Tyrol (1809), in the Peninsular War (1810-11), at Vilnius (1812) and in the defence of Danzig (1813). The Thuringian battalion, taken prisoner of war, fought against Napoleon at Leipzig (1813). Also included are chapters written by Stephen Summerfield on uniform and standard details of the formations covered.