Although the Prussian Army did have guard cavalry and cuirassiers, none were present during the hundred days campaign and Blücher had to rely on dragoons, hussars, uhlans and Landwehr regiments. The three former were line regiments, ten in total, whilst the latter comprised eight militia regiments. Cavalry were also formed into Line and Landwehr brigades,…
We’re taking a look at one of the most iconic periods covered by Black Seas – the Napoleonic Wars. This article provides an overview of the conflict. One of the most heavily studied eras of European history, the French wars which began in 1803 were effectively a continuation of those which had preceded them, involving…
Prussia was renowned for its excellent infantry under Frederick the Great. Less well known is the efficacy of Prussian cavalry on the European battlefield in the 19th Century. Early in the Napoleonic wars, Bonaparte himself warned his generals of the excellent Prussian cavalry. The well-trained and disciplined Prussian horse during the Hundred Days campaign formed…
The armies of all nations were made from a series of building blocks – divisions from two or more brigades, brigades from regiments, and regiments from battalions or cavalry squadrons. For example, the following French division formed part of the VI Corps of the French Army of Portugal 1811. 1st Division (General de Division Jean Gabriel Marchand) 1st Brigade (…
The regimental music was divided into two sections: the Band and the Corps of Drums. Under the Chef de Musique (Bandmaster) the Tambour Major (Drum Major) led the Drums and the Band, while the Tambour Maitre (Sergeant Drummer) was responsible for the discipline of the Drums, which he led on those occasions when this section…
Whilst certainly capable in terms of quantity, it could well be argued that the Spanish army of the Napoleonic era was the worst in the entire European theatre, managing but a handful of victories against the French invaders of the Peninsular War – the only victory of significance was that of the battle of Baylen…
Bossman John latest hobby project returns to the Napoleonic Wars, this time Russians. Compiled constructed and painted during lockdown, John’s assembled three regiments as well as two artillery batteries. John managed to speed paint a regiment, from undercoat to varnishing and flocking and adding tufts to the base, in four hours and twenty minutes. That’s…
Fresh from the Studio, more images of our forthcoming Napoleonic Spanish, featuring different regimental colours. We’ve been allowed to preview a small selection… The formation of the Spanish National Militia dates back to the War of Spanish Succession (1701-1714). It didn’t come to full fruition until the Peninsular Campaigns of the Napoleonic wars, however. They…
The Hundred Days and the famed battle of Waterloo marked the end of the First French Empire. You can refight the campaign using the Black Powder rules, in conjunction with Albion Triumphant Volume 2. The shattering of the Grande Armèe in the snows of Russia in 1812, followed by two years of desperate fighting, forced…
Bossman John has been collecting Napoleonic miniatures for years. He’s unveiling yet more of his collection (though this is still just a snippet). Feast your eyes on this latest batch of photos!
Dan Hewitson
Tom Mecredy