Final answer:
The British military drew from volunteer troops known as the Old Regulars, as well as conscripted soldiers from the poorer classes. Volunteers likely joined of their own free will, while conscripts were driven by external pressures and subjected to harsh discipline to maintain order.
Step-by-step explanation:
When examining the British military sources during the time of conflict, it is evident that there were two primary sources of manpower: volunteer troops and conscripted soldiers from the poorer classes subject to strict discipline. The volunteer troops, referred to as the Old Regulars, were a small fraction compared to the strength of Britain's navy but were revered for their discipline and experience.
In contrast, the conscripts were strictly controlled and motivated by fear, as any deviation from orders could result in death at the hands of their own officers. These men were dressed in bright uniforms and maintained tight formations on the battlefield, a tactic aimed at showcasing their courage and discipline.
The narratives share the common theme of structured military discipline but differ in the source of their soldiers, with one relying on volunteers who likely joined of their own accord and the other on lower-class men who may have seen military service as a way out of their socioeconomic status or were coerced into service.