" The Service of Light Infantry does not so much require men of stature, as it requires them to be Intelligent, Hardy and Active".
(Major-General Sir John Moore—-17 January, 1803.)
Present-day light infantry drill is the descendant of the drill taught to the skirmishers, provided by the Light Infantry, to ensure quick thinking and quick movement.
So said the 1951 All Arms Drill Manual which for the first time set out the seperate and unique drill of the English Light Infantry regiments. Prior to this however the Light Infantry Regiments had carried out, although unofficially their own drill known officially a "Manouvre drill" whereby the Light Infantryman would start from and end at the position of "At ease".
The following pages are extracts from Regimental Standing Orders for the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry and "official" Drill manuals and memoranda.