The British Empire’s Regulars 1880 - 1914

The history of the British Army's multi-racial forces that supported the empire's global dominance through economic power, a strong navy, and formidable military presence.

What allowed the British to create and hold its empire? In 1914 the British had the largest empire in the world. The sun literally never set on its holdings. The Empire rested on three strong pillars - British economic might, a powerful fleet and its multi race armies. The wealth provided by British industry provided the sinews of British power. The fleet protected the arteries along which British products reached the world and the UK projected its power. But its wealth and strong navy would not allow England to guard the North-West Frontier of India, or march to Peking or Ethiopia or fight foes as varied as the Sikhs, Māori and Zulus. In The British Empire’s Regulars - 1880-1914 the army and men that won and held the empire are covered in detail. In most books these men are as anonymous as pawns on a chessboard. The book gives a definitive account of the many different ethnic groups that served. Sikhs, Scots, Gurkhas, Ibos and more are all here. The work explains what contribution each made to The Empire’s polyglot armies. Drawing on sociology, governmental records and history, the book will appeal to readers who are interested in the British Empire, its military forces, and to students and scholars of military sociology and history.