Ray Westlake Libri

Introduced in 1878, the Home Service Helmet featured a distinctive helmet plate that has become a coveted item among militaria collectors. The book delves into the historical significance and evolution of this iconic headdress, highlighting its appeal and the intricate details that make it a prized possession for enthusiasts.

Focusing on the historical development of British infantry regiments, this book details the formation dates, colonel names before 1751, title changes, and battle honors up to 1881. It offers insights into uniforms and badges, including badge authorization dates valuable for collectors. The text also highlights regimental histories for further research and presents information about the 110th to 135th Regiments of Foot, many of which were short-lived. With 146 illustrations, primarily in color, it serves as a comprehensive reference organized by regiment.

Focusing on the structure of Line Infantry Regiments from 1881 to the onset of the First World War, this book provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of the 'Regimental Family.' It builds upon a previous guide covering earlier regiments and includes detailed information on new 'Territorial' or 'Country Regiments,' alongside their Militia, Volunteer, and Territorial Force Battalions, as well as Cadet units. With 627 color plates and contemporary photographs, it serves as an invaluable reference for those interested in British Army history.

Featuring 143 color images, this guide explores British cavalry uniforms and badges from 1660 to 1914 through old prints, pictures, and postcards. Each image is accompanied by detailed descriptions, providing insight into the historical context and evolution of military attire. This visual resource serves as a valuable reference for enthusiasts of military history and collectors of vintage memorabilia.

The biography details the life of Charles Hamilton Smith, born into a Flemish Protestant family in 1776. Educated in England and later at the Austrian Academy for Artillery and Engineers, he became a skilled artist. His significant contributions include creating one of the most important references on military costume, showcasing his unique blend of artistic talent and military knowledge.

The book features a significant series of illustrations showcasing Russian military costumes, created by Christian Gottfried Heinrich Geissler during his time as an expedition artist for Peter Simon Pallas in the late 18th century. Geissler's work captures the essence of Russian customs and attire, reflecting the fascination foreign artists had with Russian culture. Upon returning to Leipzig, he published these illustrated accounts, highlighting the unique styles and traditions of the region, particularly in the Caucasus and southern Russia.

Focusing on early home defense volunteer units during the First World War, this book offers a detailed history and comprehensive records of the Volunteer Training Corps. Utilizing contemporary sources, it lists various Volunteer Regiments, Battalions, and other formations, highlighting the contributions of those who were too young or old to fight but dedicated their time to serve their country. This work is an invaluable resource for researchers interested in these unsung heroes of the war.

The book showcases a remarkable collection of rare badges from British numbered regiments of foot prior to the Army reforms of 1881. It features high-quality, mostly full-color images that are reproduced at full size, making it easier for readers to identify each badge. This detailed compilation is part of Ray's 'Guide to...' series, drawing from various sources to present a unique resource for enthusiasts and collectors.

Focusing on the Volunteer Force from 1859 to 1908, this comprehensive guide by Ray Westlake explores the origins of the future Territorial Army. It details various branches of the Victorian system where ordinary citizens prepared for potential invasions. The book provides formation dates, officer names, corps locations, and information on amalgamations and disbandments across different volunteer types. Additionally, it includes notes on affiliated cadet corps and the Territorial Force units formed in 1908, complemented by 135 illustrations of uniforms and badges, making it a vital resource for military and family historians.

Featuring detailed illustrations from the Napoleonic era, this collection showcases the uniforms of the Loyal Volunteers of London and surrounding areas, including both infantry and cavalry. It encompasses 89 plates that depict various military exercises, such as manual, platoon, and funeral drills. Designed and etched by T. Rowlandson, these original plates were published in London by Ackermann between 1798 and 1799, offering a unique glimpse into the military practices and attire of the time.