A German Military Jaeger Rifle

Historical Programs Manager Andrew Outten discusses a German military jaeger rifle. The soldiers who comprised the German auxiliary forces that supported Great Britain during the Revolutionary War were a formidable foe. They were well trained and highly disciplined. Among these German auxiliaries were specialized corps of light infantry soldiers known as jaegers. With backgrounds as huntsmen, foresters, and trackers in the German wilderness prior to arriving in North America, men who made up the various jaeger corps were some of the most elite soldiers to fight throughout the war. This Lunch Bite will focus on the unique characteristics of a German military jaeger rifle from our collections along with the background, training, and tactics of the those who fought with it.