BATTLE IS A CLASH between groups of armed people.It spans most cultures and all continents. Its character the duration, the number of participants, the weapons,and the tactics employed - is infinitely variable. Battle is intimately bound up with the social, economic, technical,and political features of its age.

RICHARD HOLMES Be an interactive eyewitness to the history of battles: from the hand-to-hand combat of ancient warriors,to the slaughter of World War Lexamining the weapons, equipment and experience of warfare.

What is battle?

Infantry of the line

Heavy cavalry

Weapon training

Badges of rank

Regimental colours

Supply and transport

A soldier's pack

Reconnaissance

Field guns

Rapid-fire weapons

High-angle fire

Artillery instruments

Bows and arrows

Maces and battle-axes

Swords

Firearms

Close combat

Gunpowder arms

Rifled weapons

Communications

Engineering

Victory and defeat

Rewards of battle

Sick and wounded

Memories of war

World War II

An unquiet peace

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Glossary

Index