Origin OF THE SHARPSHOOTERS
developing light infantry, from virginia to vimeiro
The use of light infantry in the British Army predates the formation of the 95th Rifles by some 52 years. In 1758 an order was given for regiments to train flank companies of grenadier and light troops, with many units adapting their uniform to make it less conspicuous, as well as discarding or adapting equipment to allow greater speed and freedom of movement on the battlefield. However, by 1763 many light companies had reverted back to heavy troops.
It wasn’t until the outbreak of the American War of Independence that the need for a dedicated force of light infantry was highlighted by the limitations of opposing freemoving, irregular troops in loose formation with rigid formations. This led to the creation of several specialised light infantry units that, although initially successful, were disbanded by 1779, leaving very few units in the army with the knowledge and training to carry out light infantry duties effectively.
In 1799 however, after a disastrous campaign in Holland, plans were drawn up to create the first permanent regiments of light infantry, which coincided with an appeal to parliament from Colonel Manningham and Lieutenant Colonel Stewart. This highlighted the potential importance of a corps of infantry armed with rifles. In 1800, volunteers from 14 regiments came together to form the Experimental Corps of Riflemen. So successful was the experiment that on Christmas Day 1802, the corps was officially brought into line as the 95th Rifles.