Sharpshooters : Marksmen through the ages
(Book)

Includes bibliographical references (page 159-160).

Throughout history, the most accurate shots in a military force have been employed as marksmen or sharpshooters. The formidable skill of American riflemen during the Revolutionary Wars was noted by the British who began to train rifle units; by the Napoleonic Wars, the Green Jackets were the elite of the British army. The development of optical sights in the 19th century meant that Civil War sharpshooters were even more lethal. Although the accuracy of sniper fire in World War I resulted in the development of counter-sniping training and tactics, lessons were soon forgotten and the outbreak of World War II saw the major powers unprepared,meaning that marksmen like Simo Häyhä were able to accrue massive scores. This short history explores the evolution of the military marksman, his weapons and tactics, from the flintlock era through to the present day. -- back cover.

Text in English.