Bloodline: The Origins and Development of the Regular Formations of the British Army

Using easy-to-follow, family-tree type tables, Bloodline shows the origins and development of every regular formation in the British Army including the latest amalgamations and changes brought about within the ‘Future Army Structure’. The charts illustrate clearly how, in some cases, up to 25 original regiments of the line have, over the centuries, by successive disbandments and amalgamations, been reduced to a single regiment in today’s superb but shamefully overstretched army. The Battle Honours of each post-Cardwell constituent are recorded separately so the progress of each of the original regiments, and the theaters in which it was involved, may be examined individually. The pedigrees and Honours of disbanded units are also recorded so their contribution will not be lost to posterity.

A chronological summary of Battle honors provides an overview of the British Army’s campaigns over the past 300 years and notes on the origins of each formation place its original purpose within the political and historical perspective of the time. A robust editorial platform throughout applauds the Army as ‘the Nation’s most dependable and trustworthy institution’ and castigates government neglect and public indifference for the unnecessary ‘blood and sacrifices’ which successive generations of soldiers have had to make as a result of inadequate investment and preparation. 'Bloodline' is a splendid record of achievement and will provide an invaluable work of reference for anyone who has dealings with, or simply an interest in or affection for, the British Army.

Iain Gordon founded and ran for 30 years a specialist publishing house producing periodicals for Army garrisons and establishments in conjunction with being Managing Director of an established Scottish weekly newspaper. He regularly writes articles on military history and speaks at academic symposia in the United Kingdom and overseas.