Probably the world's first multi-national mega-corporation was the British East India Company. There was little that this company was not involved with during the 18th and 19th century. Such was the size of the organization and so far flung was it that it was deemed necessary to form their own protection against the usual banditry and often the armies of smaller nations. The greatest concentration of these forces was in India where they had major operations in Madras, Bombay and Bengal.

Initially, most of the troops for these armies were locals as were the majority of officers. It was difficult to get Europeans to operate in these armies as life in the British Army proper offered better pay and advancement was solely dependent on time in service rather than merit.  Eventually, things changed to where it was required that the officer corps was British, and conditions became quite different for local troops. This caused a considerable amount of displeasure amongst the Indian soldiers, especially when the British started mixing in Indians from various castes and religions. Always insensitive to the needs of others, this eventually led to the Mutiny of 1858 and the eventual transfer of all East India forces into the control of the British Army.

The book starts with the early years and the initial build-up of armies in Madras, Bengal and Bombay. It covers the expansion of these units and the Cornwallis reorganization plan of 1780 as well as the Mutiny of the 1850s. There are also sections on the European Infantry and on the Native infantry units as well as Cavalry and Artillery units.

As this series is generally about uniforms and equipment, throughout the book the author and illustrator have shown these items as used by the soldiers of the various units. They are quite colorful and in keeping with what you'd expect of Napoleonic era uniforms. Of course, they have been adapted to the climate and somewhat to the culture of the soldiers. 

Thanks to the excellent choice of period illustrations and those done specifically for the book, we get an idea of how these men were dressed and outfitted. This all makes yet another great addition to the superb library of Osprey titles and one you can purchase with confidence.

October 2009

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