At the beginning of this period, the battalions of the Prussian Line usually fought in a linear formation three ranks deep, overwhelming the enemy with fire before a well-timed bayonet attack. By the end, the preferred formation was eight to 12 ranks deep. The responsibility for conducting the fire-fight was now given to the skirmish elements and the artillery. The formed battalions provided support for the fire line, and conducted the decisive bayonet charge. Whatever the change, the spirit and ability of the infantry remained consistently high throughout this bloody period.

Peter Hofschröer is a qualified historian and linguist specializing in the Napoleonic Wars. His two volume work 1815: The Waterloo Campaign received the 1999 Napoleonic Society of America Literary Award. He is a well-known contributor to various academic and hobby magazines, is a fellow of the International Napoleonic Society and has been twice awarded the Bismarck Memorial Medal. His previous works for Osprey include Campaign 25: Leipzig 1813.