BR16202 British 43rd Regiment of Foot Defending, 1780

This soldier takes up a defensive position. His bayonet is affixed and at the ready, and although rarely used in combat, the bayonet turned his single shot musket into a pike, keeping his enemy at bay. This extra long reach for close quarters fighting was especially effective when massed and formed into square and used to repulse a cavalry charge – that is if you and those around you had the mettle to hold fast. It was vital for squares to stand firm in the face of a charge, but these were not static formations. Well trained men, on suitable terrain, with astute commanders could maneuver their square to mass fire and even trap enemy cavalry.

Scale 1/30.