<P> Without any major allies, the manpower shortage became critical when France and Spain entered the war, forcing a major diversion of military resources from the Americas . Recruiting adequate numbers of Loyalist militia in America proved difficult due to high Patriot activity . To bolster numbers, the British promised freedom and grants of land to slaves who fought for them . Approximately 25,000 Loyalists fought for the British throughout the war, and provided some of the best troops in the British service; the British Legion, a mixed regiment of 250 dragoons and 200 infantry commanded by Banastre Tarleton, gained a fearsome reputation in the colonies, especially in the South . </P> <P> Britain had a difficult time appointing a determined senior military leadership in America . Thomas Gage, Commander - in - Chief of North America at the outbreak of the war, was criticized for being too lenient on the rebellious colonists . Jeffrey Amherst, who was appointed Commander - in - Chief of the Forces in 1778, refused a direct command in America, due to unwillingness to take sides in the war . Admiral Augustus Keppel similarly opposed a command, stating; "I cannot draw the sword in such a cause". The Earl of Effingham resigned his commission when his regiment was posted to America, while William Howe and John Burgoyne were opposed to military solutions to the crisis . Howe and Henry Clinton both stated they were unwilling participants, and were only following orders . </P> <P> As was the case in many European armies, except the Prussian Army, officers in British service could purchase commissions to ascend the ranks . Despite repeated attempts by Parliament to suppress it, the practise was common in the Army . Values of commissions varied, but were usually in line with social and military prestige, for example, regiments such as the Guards commanded the highest prices . The lower ranks often regarded the treatment to high - ranking commissions by wealthier officers as "plums for (their) consumption". Wealthy individuals lacking any formal military education, or practical experience, often found their way into positions of high responsibility, diluting the effectiveness of a regiment . Though Royal authority had forbade the practise since 1711, it was still permitted for infants to hold commissions . Young boys, often orphans of deceased wealthy officers, were taken from their schooling and placed in positions of responsibility within regiments . </P> <P> Logistical organization of eighteenth century armies was chaotic at best, and the British Army was no exception . No logistical corps existed in the modern sense; while on campaign in foreign territories such as America, horses, wagons, and drivers were frequently requisitioned from the locals, often by impressment or by hire . No centrally organized medical corps existed . It was common for surgeons to have no formal medical education, and no diploma or entry examination was required . Nurses sometimes were apprentices to surgeons, but many were drafted from the women who followed the army . Army surgeons and doctors were poorly paid and were regarded as social inferiors to other officers . </P>

Who helped the british during the revolutionary war