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The experience of British soldiers in the eighteenth century would have depended on where they were stationed, the time period and who they were fighting.
A British platoon usually consists of 25 to 30 soldiers. Platoons are commanded by a lieutenant or second lieutenant. A platoon of ‘A’ Company, 4th King’s African Rifles, during a route march near Gilgil in Kenya, c1956. A troop of cavalry cantering along a track, North West Frontier of India, c1918.
Regimental Structure. During the 1770's, a typical British Infantry Regiment consisted of the Field and Staff Officers and 10 companies, composed of three different types of soldiers: eight Battalion or "Hat" Companies, one Company of Grenadiers, and one Company of Light Infantry.
The eight battalion companies will compose four grand divisions, eight companies or platoons [also referred to as divisions for manoeuvring], sixteen sub-divisions, thirty-two sections, when sufficiently strong to be so divided, otherwise twenty-four, for the purpose of march.
In the 18th century, battalions were often organized for tactical purposes into 16 platoons of about 24 men each, plus 2 or 4 platoons of grenadiers or light infantry. The term platoon has been used in U.S. military manuals since 1779 and throughout the 19th century meant half a company.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
The regimental system has its roots in the 17th century when both aristocrats and professional soldiers were commissioned by monarchs and parliament to recruit troops. Ranked as colonels, these men raised, dressed and equipped their regiments.
Prior to this date, troops were raised for specific campaigns by the monarchy or their supporters. Landowners could raise regiments of men from within their own property or lands. When the monarchy returned to the throne of England, King Charles II formed a Standing Army in 1661.
