This week's #WellingtonWednesday is The 68th Durham Light Infantry. trained in a new way of fighting; they landed in Portugal in 1811 they fought their way through the Peninsular & into France. Recently they've been represented here by the Old 68th Society (Thread ).

Formed 50 years before the Peninsular War, they were quick to convert into newly formed Light Infantry. Taking lessons learnt from America, regiments would now be taught to fight with skirmishing tactics, using the ground/flora and manoeuvring in pairs.

Using the lessons learnt from the American war of Independence & experience of British Emigrees/European Allies (especially German New Light Infantry Regiment la were formed. Initially the 43rd & 52nd Light Infantry.

In September 1808 the 68th - 436 rank and file - were ordered to convert to Light Infantry, in the same style of the 43rd and 52nd, they 68th marched to Ashford, Kent to train with the 85th under the veteran of light infantry training, Lt Col. Franz Von Rothenburg.

Fighting as Light Infantry the regiment retired it's Colours (flags)&drums. Using bugles to convey orders a easier instrument to carry, the uniform was cut differently (initially shorter jackets) to assist with faster maouvre. The idea being a rapid march & a skirmish "screen".

The uniform distinctions they wore were; Green Plumes on the hats (known as Shako) with a Bugle horn badge to donate Light Troops. The 68th Durham also had Green 'Facings'. This wasn't camouflage such as for the @5th_60th & @The_95th_Rifles but a fortunate distinction.

A new Brown Bess musket was issued, with a rear sight as well as the foresight (small nub for aiming)
The idea being these soldiers would be forward and would pick individual targets as opposed to the volley fire.
In addition they could and did fight as regular line troops.

Landing in the Peninsular in 1811 the 68th Durham Light Infantry, fought with Wellington at:
Salamanca, Vitoria, Pyrénées campaign, Nivelle, Orthez and many minor actions and skirmishing as well.
They were retired to Britain before Waterloo.

Forming part of a new wave of tactics, which saw British Generals adapting, whilst still maintaining traditional roots. The 68th Durham Light Infantry were an iconic unit whose reenactment group (for Waterloo & Salamanca weekends) keep the history alive.
#WellingtonWednesday