What is the difference between Light Infantry and ordinary infantry?
On battlefields in the 18th Century, most infantry soldiers stood and fought in rigid lines, whilst dressed in cumbersome uniforms and laden with heavy equipment. During the wars in North America, the British Army saw the need for a new type of better trained and equipped soldier, who could move quickly and quietly, scout and skirmish and use his initiative in battle. These soldiers were the first Light Infantrymen and the bugle became their symbol. In 1808 the 68th Regiment of Foot was re-equipped and re-trained and became the 68th Light Infantry.
