Union Cavalryman 1861-65

The bombardment by Confederate artillery of Fort Sumter on 12 April 1861 was the spark that finally ignited the American Civil War, quickly bringing thousands of eager volunteers for the Union cause.
It proved especially easy to raise cavalry, since recruits naively believed that their military duties would be easier than in the infantry. This book investigates all aspects of the life and experiences of a Union trooper, covering enlistment, training, uniforms, weapons, cavalry tactics and the discrepancy between the recruit's view of swashbuckling charges and heroic hand-to-hand combat and the less glorious reality.

Philip Katcher was educated at the University of Maryland and served in the US Army in Vietnam. He has also been an active participant in living history activities, especially in the 18th and 19th century periods. He has written a number of books on US military history and presently is editor/publisher of Military Images Magazine.
Richard Hook trained at Reigate College of Art. After national service with 1st Bn, Queen's Royal Regiment, he became art editor of the much-praised magazine Finding Out and worked as a freelance illustrator ever since.He has illustrated more than 50 Osprey titles.

Historical Background
Enlistment
Training
Uniforms and Equipment
Weapons
Field Service
Combat and Tactics
Wounds and Sickness
Sites of Interest