American Civil War Marines, 1861-65

The part played in the Civil War (1861-1865) by the small Marine Corps of the United and Confederate States is overshadowed by the confrontations of the great armies. Nevertheless, the coastal and riverine campaigns were of real importance, given the strategic significance of the Federal blockade of southern ports, and of the struggle for the Mississippi River. Marines wearing blue and grey fought in many dramatic actions afloat and ashore – ship-to-ship engagements, cutting-out expeditions, and coastal landings. This book offers a comprehensive summary of all such battles, illustrated with rare early photographs, and meticulously researched color plates detailing the often obscure minutiae of Marine uniforms and equipment.

Ron Field was born in Hertford, England, in 1943 and was educated in Cheltenham where he gained a Bachelor of Education (Hons) degree. He is presently Head of History at the Cotswold School in Bourton-on-the-Water. He was awarded the Fulbright Scholarship in 1982 and taught history at Piedmont High School in California from 1982-83 as part of the UK/US Teacher Exchange Programme.