The drill these men followed came largely from one book: Humphrey Bland's Treatise of Military Discipline, first published in 1727 and in its seventh edition by 1753. British infantry rarely fired a whole battalion at once. Instead the battalion was split into platoons that fired in a set sequence, so some part of the line was always loaded and the fire rolled along it without a pause. Before Culloden in April 1746, the Duke of Cumberland had his regiments practise firing by alternate platoons from the flanks toward the centre, holding back the fire of the front rank and the grenadiers. Done well, the system gave a battalion steady, controlled fire that few opponents could match.

All eight privates fire together in two ranks, muskets levelled and bayonets fixed. They wear black tricornes edged in white, red coats with dark blue lapels and cuffs laced in white, buff belts with haversacks, dark blue breeches and white gaiters. Two men show the cost of the fight: one has lost his hat and fires bareheaded with it lying at his feet, and another fires with his head bandaged. This set completes a blue-faced battalion. Add British Infantry for the sergeant and loaders and British Infantry (Seven Years War) for the officer and colours. Put British Grenadiers on the right.

Tradition of London set 655. Eight foot figures on square gloss bases. 54mm scale (approximately 1/30). All toy soldiers cast in quality white metal and individually hand-painted in gloss enamels. Packed in the Classic Tradition Red Box. Please allow 2–3 weeks for shipping.