In 1806, at the beginning of the Peninsular War, the Portuguese army was not at the peak of military efficiency. Nevertheless, under British tutelage it played an important part in the fight against Napoleon. Under Wellington's command, the Portuguese army distinguished itself in battles at Bussaco, Fuentes de Onoro and Albuera, and in 1813 helped the Allies win a decisive victory at Vittoria. Beginning with a chronology of Portugal's part in the Peninsular War, this book examines the uniforms, equipment and organization of the Portuguese army's various units. Detailed colour plates and numerous illustrations complement the text.

Otto von Pivka (the nom de plume of Digby Smith) wrote his first book for Osprey in 1972 (The Black Brunswickers, in the Men-at-Arms series). He is a prolific author, who has contributed many titles to the Men-at-Arms series on the armies and forces of the Napoleonic Wars. A former major in the British Army, he is now retired, but continues to write books on this key period.