#skirmishers
British light infantry deploying.
Light infantry, acting in their role as skirmishers, were extremely effective against American militia on April 19, 1775. The very existence of the light infantry (in use since the French & Indian War) should dispel the old myth of the stupid redcoat marching in straight lines to his doom against the American sharpshooter.
Ironically enough, the American militia used the same training manuals (for the most part) as did their British counter-parts. It wasn’t until von Steuben’s arrival that a distinctive American training manual appeared, and he mostly synthesized the best from various European manuals.
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