It wasn't just the content of the training that was radically different but the approach. For example, Riflemen regularly trained with live ammunition (a luxury in the British Army at the time), giving them the opportunity to refine their shooting skills. Shooting competitions and similar competitive activities where conducted within the regiment, a practise that came with rewards and merit.
Individuals were recognised as individuals and not just a body of men. An eager Rifleman showing potential would be invested in. If he could not read or write he was taught, to give him a better chance of promotion.
The social barriers that existed in society were not as much of an issue in the 95th, perhaps because Officers shared the same fate as the lower ranks, often sleeping rough on the countless patrols and picket duties they were deployed on. Officers would regularly dine with their men and get to know them, a practice that was unheard of at the time.
On Campaign
On campaign the Rifles were masters of the battlefield and second to none when it came to skirmishing in particular. They were held in high esteem by the French and Allies alike. One officer, Major John Blackiston of the Portuguese Cacadores, said:
Individuals were recognised as individuals and not just a body of men. An eager Rifleman showing potential would be invested in. If he could not read or write he was taught, to give him a better chance of promotion.
The social barriers that existed in society were not as much of an issue in the 95th, perhaps because Officers shared the same fate as the lower ranks, often sleeping rough on the countless patrols and picket duties they were deployed on. Officers would regularly dine with their men and get to know them, a practice that was unheard of at the time.
On Campaign
On campaign the Rifles were masters of the battlefield and second to none when it came to skirmishing in particular. They were held in high esteem by the French and Allies alike. One officer, Major John Blackiston of the Portuguese Cacadores, said:
"I never saw such skirmishers as the 95th. They could do the work much
better and with infinitely less loss than any other of our best light troops.
They possessed an individual boldness, a mutual understanding, and a
quickness of eye in taking advantage of the ground, which, taken altogether,
I never saw equalled. They were as much superior to the French voltigeurs,
as the latter were to our skirmishers in general"
better and with infinitely less loss than any other of our best light troops.
They possessed an individual boldness, a mutual understanding, and a
quickness of eye in taking advantage of the ground, which, taken altogether,
I never saw equalled. They were as much superior to the French voltigeurs,
as the latter were to our skirmishers in general"
History
An Introductory History of the 95th Rifles
An Introductory History of the 95th Rifles
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Chosen Man
Gareth Virr
Gareth Virr
Rifleman
Chris Shaw
Chris Shaw