Discovering the Intricate World of Napoleonic Wars Uniforms: An In-depth Review of Rawkins’ Essential Guides

For enthusiasts captivated by the Napoleonic era, the allure of military uniforms is undeniable. These meticulously designed garments are more than just clothing; they are vibrant symbols of national identity, regimental pride, and the grand tapestry of 19th-century warfare. For those seeking to delve into the specifics of Napoleonic Wars Uniforms, particularly wargamers and historical modelers, the books by W.J. Rawkins have long been revered as indispensable resources. Now, these seminal works have been resurrected and significantly enhanced as e-books, offering a new generation access to unparalleled detail.

Rawkins’ original uniform books emerged between 1977 and 1984, quickly becoming prized possessions despite their limited print runs and somewhat basic physical quality. Their value lay in the meticulously researched information they provided, acting as detailed painting guides for wargamers aiming for historical accuracy. Owners treasured them for their deep dives into the uniforms of almost every unit within the armies they covered. However, time and frequent use took their toll on these early editions, prompting a long search for replacements.

Fortunately, rumors of Mr. Rawkins’ disappearance proved unfounded. He has revitalized his collection, addressing typos, expanding content, and republishing them as e-books in PDF format. As of September 2018, the collection boasts twenty-one titles, each dedicated to specific armies or contingents of the Napoleonic Wars. This expanded catalog includes detailed explorations of:

• Foreign Regiments in French Service (Irish, Germanic, Mediterranean, Balkan, Polish, Swiss, Portuguese, Iberian)
• The Army of Hanover and the King’s German Legion
• The Army of Portugal
• The Army of the Duchy of Warsaw
• The Army of the Grand Duchy of Berg
• The Army of the Grand Duchy of Baden
• The Army of the Grand Duchy of Hesse-Darmstadt
• The Army of the Kingdom of Bavaria
• The Army of the Kingdom of Italy (in three volumes)
• The Army of the Kingdom of Naples
• The Army of the Kingdom of Sweden
• The Army of the Kingdom of Westphalia
• The Army of the Kingdom of Württemberg
• The Austro-Hungarian Army
• Rheinbund Contingents (Anhalt, Lippe, Reuss, Schwarzburg, Waldeck, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Oldenburg & Frankfurt; Nassau, Würzburg & Saxon Duchies)
• The Royal Saxon Army

Upcoming titles promise to further enrich this collection, covering the armies of Brunswick, Netherlands, Prussia, Denmark-Norway, Hesse-Cassel, and the Hanseatic Cities.

The transformation from the original printed books to these e-book editions is remarkable. While the older versions were known for their sometimes erratic formatting and typographical errors (products of pre-word processor publishing), the new e-books are professionally formatted and significantly enhanced. They retain the invaluable tables detailing uniform specifics – lace patterns, button colors, facing colors, and more – crucial for accurate uniform representation. Adding to their appeal are black and white uniform drawings showcasing front and back views, alongside a generous inclusion of color images. These color plates feature artwork from contemporary artists and renowned figures like Knötel and Bosselier, bringing the uniforms to life. For instance, the volume on the Swedish Army includes 11 color images, while the book on the Army of Naples is lavishly illustrated with 96!

The expansion of content is equally impressive. The new editions are exponentially larger than their predecessors. The book on the Polish Army, originally a mere 34 pages, has swelled to 132 pages. Similarly, the Swedish Army volume grew from 24 to 77 pages, and the Army of Naples book expanded from a slim 15 pages to a comprehensive 186 pages.

To illustrate the depth and quality of these revised editions, consider The Army of the Kingdom of Naples. Its extensive table of contents reveals the meticulous detail within:

The chapter on line infantry alone spans 44 pages, covering regimental organization, strength variations over the years, uniforms, weaponry, and equipment for both enlisted men and officers. It even includes dedicated sections on musicians’ uniforms and regimental sappers, showcasing the incredible level of detail.

A typical example of this detail is found in the description of infantry breeches:

“Breeches were white and worn with high, white over the knee gaiters for parade and black gaiters for campaign and winter dress. Buttons on the white gaiters were brass and those on the black gaiters, cloth covered. By 1808 the white gaiters were retained only for parade dress and most units were wearing the shorter, knee length gaiters of black, with brass buttons for campaign and everyday wear. White cotton, loose fitting trousers were issued for fatigue wear from about 1808.

From 1809 all infantry regiments were issued with white overall trousers for wear on the march and during campaign. These were cottons for summer wear and heavier cotton canvas for winter. The winter trousers could sometimes be grey, and those regiments who were serving in Spain adopted locally made overalls from 1807 in a wide variety of colours; white, beige, brown, grey or dark blue.

From about 1812 white overalls with a facing colour stripe on the outer seam began to make an appearance and by 1814 new trousers of white for summer and dark blue for winter, both with a narrow facing colour stripe were being worn by all regiments.”

Continuing the tradition of the original books, the e-book editions are filled with tables summarizing uniform distinctions. The table detailing regimental cockades of the Swedish infantry provides a clear example of this invaluable feature:

The updated editions also rectify the earlier practice of combining smaller countries in single volumes. Now, each nation receives its dedicated book, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Like Poland and Sweden, Naples and Berg are now presented in individual volumes, allowing for a more thorough exploration of their respective armies and, of course, their distinctive Napoleonic Wars uniforms.

These e-books are available for order through The History Book Man website. For anyone with a passion for Napoleonic military history, particularly those focused on the visual detail of uniforms, W.J. Rawkins’ books are an exceptional investment. Whether you are a wargamer meticulously painting miniatures or a historian researching the sartorial aspects of the era, these books are invaluable. Even if you possess the original print editions, the significantly expanded content, improved formatting, and wealth of color illustrations in these e-books make them a worthwhile upgrade. At a price of only £3.99 ($7) per volume, they represent outstanding value and are highly recommended. Don’t hesitate to add these essential resources to your library.

Reviewed by Robert Burnham.