Wars of Louis Quatorze

The Recruiting Officer (Part 1)

2012-01-21T07:18:00.000-08:00

Starring Benedict Cumberbatch - thanks to Steve Stanley for finding this authentic period Restoration comedy originally aired on the BBC. Something to listen to...while painting miniatures?
By George Farquhar.Set in Shrewsbury in 1704 just after the Battle of Blenheim, the play follows the adventures of two grenadiers who arrive in a small county town and embark on a recruiting drive. Captain Plume and his recruiting sergeant set about "persuading" the local men to sign up and "take the Queen's shilling". Wiki on the play here

Siege of Wells 1978

2012-01-07T06:16:00.000-08:00

This is interesting - footage of the Sealed Knot reenacting the siege of Wells.

Seven Years War at Terezin

2011-12-20T03:05:00.000-08:00

Here's a cool video of the event in the Czech Republic set to some tidy Folkrock.

High Germany

2011-12-18T07:33:00.000-08:00

'I'll take you to the wars me love in High Germany'. Time for a song that is traditional and sort of suits the time of year and theme of the blog. Nice images to look at too. Lyrics here

A Bit Of A Departure...

2011-12-09T17:12:00.000-08:00

In a bit of a departure from our usual fare here on "Wars of Louis Quatorze", I hope our readers will indulge me a slight diversion. Both Ralphus and I are major fans of the 1950's to 60's Chicago Blues genre, and this past week we lost a legend.

Hubert Sumlin is a name that many, if not most, outside of the Blues world do not know. However, read any in-depth interview or biography of the guitarists that you may be more familiar with and you will often find Hubert's name mentioned. He has been named as a major influence by Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Keith Richards and many, many others. His signature guitar riffs have been "borrowed" by guitar players from James Burton and Steve Cropper in the late 50's to all of those named above in the late 60's and early 70's, and are still being "borrowed" by many of today's top guitarists. Hubert attained his fame as a guitarist playing alongside the legendary Howlin' Wolf until Wolf's death in 1976. He did periodically get "fired" by Wolf after a blow-up, and played with Muddy Waters for a brief time. He also did session work at Chess Records and has recorded with many of the pioneers of "Modern Blues" as well as with a multitude of members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

I won't try and do Hubert's entire biography here, it has already been done on many other sites, even the Wikipedia version is pretty good. Hubert was born in the Mississippi Delta on November 16, 1931 and passed away this past Sunday, December 4, 2011, at the age of 80. He will be missed by many in the music, and specifically the Blues, community. I will miss him. I was fortunate enough to see the Howlin' Wolf Band in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area in 1970 and again in New Orleans in about 1972. I was also fortunate to see Hubert at Eric Clapton's first Crossroads Guitar Festival in Dallas in 2004, and he could still play with the best, and did. Anyone out there who has seen the DVD's of any of Eric's 3 Crossroads Festivals, or the DVD "10 Days on the Road" by Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Double Trouble, will have seen Hubert play. His distinctive finger-picking style and infectious smile always stand out on the stage.

RIP Hubert, you will be missed and remembered by many. I thank our readers for their indulgence, and will now return you to regular programming.

Bill

Guerreros y Batallas

2011-11-29T07:28:00.000-08:00

Series of Osprey type books dealing with Spanish subjects. List here

WARFARE MINIATURES League of Augsburg 28mm metal figures

2011-11-28T03:19:00.000-08:00

I am really impressed by these late 17th century figures. The poses are excellent and they ooze period feel. Check them out - list of available figures here

Very Good Russian Miltary History Site

2011-11-26T05:59:00.001-08:00

For those readers of "Wars of Louis Quatorze" who might have an interest in Russian military history, this is an excellent web site. Called "From Rus to Peter", it covers the span of Russian military history from roughly 900 AD to 1725 AD.

The site (written in English) has pull-down tabs covering biographies of famous leaders, battles of the era, specific tabs on the Army and the navy, Politics, and the General History as well as Military History. Some very good articles with accompanying charts, maps, illustrations and photography. The illustrations are Osprey-style and the photos are of modern-day reenactments. Overall, very nicely done, and a good "thumbnail" source (at worst) for a bit of Russian information.

Bill

Photos of Frederick the Great era reenactors

2011-11-24T08:58:00.000-08:00

Gallery of images here.

Project SYW

2011-11-21T08:32:00.000-08:00

This is an invaluable resource on the web on the subject - check it out, if you have an interest.

Prussian musket

2011-11-21T08:27:00.000-08:00

This musket - a 1740 flintlock is now available as a cheap import repro so if you have been waiting for something like that now's your chance.

Austrian flintlocks

2011-11-21T06:31:00.000-08:00

From the Regiment Wied website is this useful image of Austrian arms.

Prussian step

2011-11-21T04:21:00.000-08:00

Prussian infantry in the time of Frederick the Great on parade in Potsdam. A clip from the East German 1962 film "Minna von Barnhelm".
Eagle-eyed readers will note that I have had this clip on this blog already but I thought it might be worth having a look at the step the soldiers are marching in - is it a reasonable approximation of the 'lock step'? I think it's a modern version but I still think it comes close.
Incidentally there's news of a forthcoming book on the armies of the Seven Years War on my Flintlock and Tomahawk blog.

More Morier

2011-11-18T06:43:00.001-08:00

This is the British 14th Dragoons.

An engagement between French troops and a detachment of the 'Free Company' 1755-65

2011-11-15T06:32:00.000-08:00

Curious image by Morier here

Bannalist and Pandour, 'Freikorps Trenck' c.1748

2011-11-15T06:27:00.000-08:00

By David Morier

Prisoners of War

2011-11-15T04:53:00.000-08:00

Martin Psenicka found this lovely engraving - never seen it before - sort of on the same theme as Hogarth's Roast Beef of Old England

Austrian drill manual

2011-11-15T03:18:00.000-08:00

Thanks to a Czech friend I managed to get hold of a digital copy of this work. It's excellent. Definitely someone should reprint it. Thanks Guys...

Grenadiers, Infantry Regiments 'Hirzel', 'Constant'? and 'Stuerler'?

2011-11-13T09:21:00.001-08:00

Anyone identify the nationality of these troops in the Morier archive? Are they Dutch?

Morier paintings

2011-11-13T09:18:00.000-08:00

Collection of paintings of the era of the War of Austrian Succession. Here.

Hanoverian army

2011-11-10T04:51:00.000-08:00

Overview here. Following the theme of Frederick's allies

Braunschweig-Lüneburg Grenadier a cheval

2011-11-09T07:34:00.001-08:00

c.1760

Frederick the Great's Allies Osprey

2011-11-09T03:22:00.001-08:00

Always worth celebrating - an Osprey on a subject you like - even more worth celebrating when they have someone good at the rudder - this one has all the hallmarks of a good 18thc read - Stuart Reid and Gerry Embleton and son Sam are involved with this one...worth a look I'd say. Review here

More Terezin

2011-11-07T05:16:00.001-08:00

I picked this SYW clip as it shows a bird's eye view of things - rather like the painting below.

Battle of Rossbach 1757

2011-11-05T04:23:00.000-07:00

This SYW battle took place today in 1757. A decisive victory for the Prussians. Did an image search and came up with this fine picture. Wiki on the battle here

More from Terezin fortress

2011-11-03T04:34:00.000-07:00

Check out the SYW scene in Czech republic and environs. Inspirational - I want to live there and take part!

Trophies of War

2011-11-02T03:12:00.000-07:00

From the Vienna army museum these are Prussian items captured at the battle of Kunersdorf.

Austro-Hungarian grenadiers by Morier c1748

2011-11-01T09:50:00.000-07:00

More stuff on the Seven Years War on my Flintlock and Tomahawk blog.

More Austrian drill pictures

2011-11-01T09:36:00.000-07:00

From a little earlier - 1717. More here . The caption reads

Drill book for the Imperial infantry regiment commanded by Col. George Count Browne de Camus, 1717. Drawings show soldiers and officers in black-and-white uniforms, the colours of the Browne arms, carrying out various moves. Forming a barrier. See 17-01-02/57-60

Heeresgeschichtliches Museum, Vienna, Austria

Seven Years War uniforms

2011-11-01T04:42:00.000-07:00

This classic old school Blandford Press book by Mollo and McGregor is up on the Armchair General site. A useful introduction to the period even after all these years.

Austrian manual of arms for the Seven Years War period

2011-11-01T04:23:00.000-07:00

One of my mates from the States is looking for the drill manual for the Austrian army - these are a few of the plates sent by my pal Boris - anyone have the whole work?

Theresienstadt 2011

2011-10-12T10:03:00.000-07:00

Recent event depicting the Seven Years War in the Czech Republic. This is an interesting little film - puts you right in the action - watch out for the Austrian Cuirassiers - impressive.

Kexholm 1710

2011-09-29T03:39:00.001-07:00

Some great photos of the GNW event here

Great Northern War video

2011-09-13T05:13:00.000-07:00

Video by Sergey Minchenkov & Mikhail Goidin. Showing the people and activities in the GNW world.

ECW stained glass

2011-09-07T07:18:00.000-07:00

Go here to see an interesting blog piece on the soldiers of the ECW captured on stained glass.

Marche du Roy accompagné des ses gardes passant sur le pont neuf et allant au Palais

2011-09-07T04:53:00.000-07:00

Thanks to an Anonymous poster this is a great image by Huchtenburg of French soldiers etc

A Visit to Neuf-Breisach

2011-09-03T22:12:00.000-07:00

My wife and I took a trip to Europe this summer, the first time for both of us. Most of our time was spent in Germany, and amongt other sightseeing excursions, we took a Rhine River cruise. Near the end of the cruise, the ship docked at Breisach. Rather than take the guided tour with the other passengers to visit a cuckoo clock factory in the Black Forest, we struck out on our own, taking a cab from the German side across the river into Alsace, France. Neuf-Breisach is not far from the Rhine, about 10 minutes drive.

The fortress town of Neuf-Breisach was built according to plans drawn up by Vauban and built as a replacement in lieu of French occupation of Breisach itself, which was ceded to the Empire by the Treaty of Ryswick in 1697. Completed in 1701, this is one of the best-preserved examples of Vauban fortifications in existence.

It's not a bad idea to begin your tour at the tourism office located adjacent to the Place d'Armes (town square). There's no guarantee you'll get fluent English-speaking assistance, but I was able to get by tolerably well in my rusty high school French. This map gives a good overview of the place, with an outlined walking tour around the ramparts and the town itself.

Unfortunately, we were somewhat pressed for time and I was only able to take a partial circuit of the fortress walls. I was also unable to take in the Vauban museum due to the time contraints. Although not large (occupying half of the Porte de Belfort gate house), no doubt this is also well worth exploring. As you make your way around the ditch, there are plaques explaining various aspects of the fortifications.

One thing to keep in mind, this is not a museum setting such as Fort Ticonderoga or Louisbourg. It's a living town, zoned residential or commercial, seamlessly incorporating the old and new in the way of the Europeans. Nor is it a particularly scenic town, retaining a rather stark, martial aspect. We visited on a Saturday morning, with a farmer's market in progress at the Place d'Armes. My wife found this rotisserie chicken truck a more impressive feat of French ingenuity than the works of Vauban.

All in all, we (or perhaps more accurately, I) really enjoyed the visit. One could easily spend the better part of a day there, exploring all aspects of this beautifully preserved fortress. Breisach itself on the German side is well worth a visit as well, which also features a walking tour of what remains of the fortifications, with a most impressive gate.

Anyone identify this image?

2011-08-29T03:56:00.000-07:00

This lovely image I can't identify - looks a bit like Morier's style or that sort of era...anyone know?

Battle of Klissow 1702

2011-07-19T03:04:00.000-07:00

This battle from the GNW and was a Swedish victory was fought today in 1702.

GNW event at Peter and Paul fortress

2011-07-12T03:03:00.000-07:00

Some great photos here of a recent Great Northern War event.
Image from this page

Barry Lyndon armies

2011-06-18T07:36:00.000-07:00

This blog has a good project - recreating the forces in the Kubrick classic with Minden miniatures. Gale's regiment of foot are first off the mark.

Virtual Museum of the WSS

2011-06-16T06:26:00.001-07:00

Excellent site on the Iberian peninsula's aspect of the war of Spanish Succession here

Warfare Miniatures and BLB2

2011-06-15T07:57:00.001-07:00

Check out this blog for images and so forth of a new (to me) range of 28s for the late 17th century. On the same blog is the new artwork for Beneath the Lily Banners 2nd edition so fill yer boots.

The landing of the Duke of Monmouth 1685

2011-06-11T09:38:00.000-07:00

Today (June 11th) is the day Monmouth landed at Lyme Regis to begin his rebellion in the West Country. Image from Look and Learn. The Monmouth Rebellion was the last popular uprising in England and Sedgemoor the last pitched battle on English soil. Unless you live in Preston...

Late 17th century further reading

2011-06-07T04:30:00.000-07:00

I've had a request from a blog reader for a book list. Covering the 50 year period of Louis XIV and Charles II - so in general the late 17thc early 18th. What books would you recommend? My first thought was John Lynn's 'Wars of Louis XIV' but covering military, politics and so on what would be of use? Maybe I would suggest David Chandler's Art of War in the Age of Marborough..what else?

New 1/72 figures for the late 17th century

2011-05-28T12:41:00.001-07:00

Uwe has got some nice masters for the late 1600s. Check them out here
Also check out on the same page a 1/72 game of Blenheim.

Marma 2011

2011-05-10T07:07:00.001-07:00

Photos from last weekend's event at Marma for the Great Northern War period. It's great to see the reenactors out in the woods skirmishing for their own enjoyment. See more images here and here

Warlord Games TYW

2011-04-15T06:52:00.001-07:00

I like the look and the style of these 28mm figures covering the early phases of the Thirty Years War. For some obtuse reason I have always found the 30 Years War more interesting than the English Civil War. Don't know why. Probably to do with familiarity breeding contempt. Small Image: Memmingen Cuirassiers.

Пейте братцы / Drink, brethren

2011-04-09T02:53:00.000-07:00

If you need some inspiration as to how to celebrate Monmouth's birthday then check out this video from my Russian pal Boris, a series of excellent period depictions of carousing.

Raise a glass to the Duke of Monmouth

2011-04-09T02:43:00.000-07:00

Yes it's that time of year again - birthday of the unfortunate Pretender to the throne who was the hero of the West Country in 1685. Wiki here
Artwork depicting the battle of Sedgemoor from here

French classical helmet

2011-04-02T02:48:00.000-07:00

Had some pics sent me by Dennis Bray who runs an excellent blog on the Early Modern Warfare - see below - and he has read about my interest in the French classical helmet of the 17th century and sent me these images from Portuguese sources. The black and white image is described in the caption as 17th century German, artist unknown.

Early Modern Warfare Blog

2011-04-02T02:31:00.000-07:00

This is a great new blog all about the mechanics of warfare in the Renaissance period. Lots of interesting stuff about the pike and how they were used. Recommended. The intro text says:
We will focus heavily on Pikemen, pike armed troops, and the "push of pike." Secondary attention is on firearms: arquebusier men, musket men, as well as shield and swords and buckler armed soldiers. How did these men fight, use their weapons, and interact with one another in battle.

Clibinarium Has Been Busy!

2011-03-23T05:48:00.000-07:00

Long time between posts; if only Life would stop interfering!

Our good friend "Clibinarium" has been busy plying his trade as a sculptor of late. Just announced on the Pendraken Forum are the 1st masters for their new 10mm pre-18th century range. While it will fall under the heading of League of Augsberg, it will also include several figures that will work for the earlier Franco-Dutch Wars as well (which these masters depict). This will be similar to the very inclusive and varied AWI range that Clibinarium did for Pendraken.
Pendraken Command Group - 10mm

Pendraken Assorted Musketeers - 10mm

Pendraken Assorted Pikemen - 10mm

And, in case you might have missed it, Clibinarium also did the recently released 28mm range for Barry Hilton's League of Augsberg, details of which can be found on Barry's site here, and very well-painted samples here.

All-in-all, a very good time for enthusiasts of the late 17th century and the wars of Louis Quatorze! Clibinarium is a die-hard fan of this period, does extensive research, and sculpts a pretty good figure (major understatement). So, in case you were considering getting your feet wet in this period, it might be time to start building, or raiding, that War Chest now.

Bill

Zvezda Russian Dragoons reviewed

2011-02-20T08:24:00.000-08:00

PSR look at these GNW figures here. I reckon they look great.

Flats for the Siege of Vienna

2011-02-08T03:17:00.001-08:00

If you like epic dioramas then check out this one for the siege in 1683.

Clip from Barry Lyndon

2011-01-14T03:56:00.000-08:00

You've all seen it but it doesn't hurt to watch it again. It is not an historically accurate recreation of British SYW infantry but more a stylised version - in fact they look more Marlburian than 1750s - maybe thats because David Chandler was involved in the production. The drums are great - proper rope tensioned ones - made by Potters who specialise in these things. Kubrick was a meticulous man but he seems to go for mood rather than detail. He originally wanted to make a film about Napoleon but 'Waterloo' didn't fair too well so it was abandoned in favour of this project. The scenes shot in Ireland were not without trouble as the IRA were in the ascendancy and they were not happy about the movie. Of course the uniforms were stored in David Chandler's garage afterwards which he used to good effect lending them out for displays and for the SK's Sedgemoor in 85. Cerainly Kubrock 'got' the 18thc and with the fine music and locations has the period been better captured on film?

Charles XII artillery reviewed

2011-01-06T07:58:00.000-08:00

The Zvezda set is put under glass at the Plastic Soldier Review

Seven Years War flats

2011-01-06T07:50:00.001-08:00

Not many people use flats or Zinnfiguren for gaming it seems - though this guy does and has a blog about it here and they looks great. Good reading too

Season's Greetings

2010-12-24T02:36:00.000-08:00

Hope you all have a great holiday. As a lot of Europe has snow I thought this old chestnut was worth trotting out again.

A Merry (or Happy) Christmas to All!

2010-12-23T10:29:00.000-08:00

Depending on where you are, may I wish one and all either a Happy Christmas or a Merry one. May your stockings be filled with treats and some old toy soldiers, like these from Irregular Miniatures 42mm Traditional Toy Soldier range, grace your tree.

While there are certainly advantages to the newer, super-detailed products that we now have available (and frequently review here), there is a unique charm to the old "little tin men" that will never fade completely. At least I hope it doesn't.

May each of you and your loved ones, each in your own way, have a wonderful Holiday Season and accept the best wishes of your humble scribe, Sir William the Aged. The New year promises already to be filled with more delightful artwork, interesting tidbits of history, and more (hopefully in-depth) figure reviews. I owe you all a couple now that I haven't quite completed, for which I humbly apologize.

Sincerely yours,

Bill

Fontenoy - France dominating Europe

2010-12-20T02:09:00.000-08:00

This book looks good.

French camp scene c1740

2010-12-15T08:56:00.000-08:00

This is a jolly little scene which shows how pleasurable life must have been in the army during peacetime.

Pride's Purge

2010-12-06T04:42:00.000-08:00

This event happened today in 1648 when all MPs sympathetic to the King were arrested or barred. It is described as the only successful military coup d'etat in British history. Wiki here

Narva 1700-2010

2010-11-25T06:33:00.000-08:00

As you know I like to keep up with the GNW scene - it's growing in numbers and the quality is excellent - and they have some spectacular locations to reenact - none more so than the fortress of Narva which is one impressove monument especially in the snow. Here's what reenactor Boris has to say

This weekend was the 310th anniversary of the Narva 1700 battle. This appeared to be the largest GNW event ever: up to 50 Russians and about 80 Swedes took part.
On the Russian side, besides regular infantry in European uniforms there were Ukrainian cossacks and Moscow streltsy in typical Russian 17th C garb.
For the first time Swedes outnumbered us.
And the weather was very authentic - snow & wind.

Some good photos here:
http://foto.delfi.lv/ru/album/67464/?page=4

also
http://foto.delfi.lv/ru/my_album/67464/
http://photofile.ru/users/alois1935/150720214/

Execution of Guido (Guy) Fawkes

2010-11-05T03:51:00.000-07:00

Someone who fought for the Spanish in the 80 years war was this man who we celebrate at this time of the year. Here's an 1606 etching by Claes (Nicolaes) Jansz Visscher, depicting Fawkes's execution. Fawkes cleverly jumped from the scaffold, despite being weak from torture breaking his neck saving himself the further pain of being drawn and quartered. His lifeless body was still 'done' and sent to the four corners of the British Isles.

Musique de la Grande Écurie & des Gardes Suisses

2010-10-29T03:15:00.000-07:00

Had a nice email about a cd that you all might enjoy...

Hello,

I've been reading your "Wars of Louis Quatorze"-Blog for quite some time and this may be something you might be interested in and like to add to the label "music":

Just released:

http://www.musiques-suisses.ch/shop/mgb/6267.php?lang=d

More detailed contents of the CD can be found here (pdf):

modules.drs.ch/data/attachments/100628_Musik_der_Grande_Ecurie.pdf

The CD is resulting from a research project of the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis. Contributions are either in German or French or English. Lots of contemporary evidence, both written and pictorial. Check it out:

http://www.rimab.ch/content/la-grande-ecurie-du-roi-de

Battle of Pavia 1525

2010-10-28T07:55:00.000-07:00

Looking for stuff on the mid 16th century has led me to find this well-made film of the Italian Wars battle being reenacted.

Grolle 1627

2010-10-27T08:49:00.000-07:00

Here is the official page for the event if you are thinking about attending next year. Also lots of pictures and so on to give you a flavour of this European scale event. From the photos it looks like some UK people went - were you one of them? Tell us about it.

Prayer Book Rebellion of 1549

2010-10-27T08:06:00.000-07:00

Had to go to Exeter the other day and it reminded me as we sped by Fenny Bridges that there was a Western Rebellion fought there in Devon that has been mainly lost in the mists of time but I am sure if you are a Cornishman you might have heard of it. It was mainly about the book of Common Prayer going into English instead of latin. Troops involved were quite a colourful mix - Landsknechts and Italian arquebusiers, foreign mercenaries on the Loyalist side - it would make an interesting display game...
Wiki on the rebellion
Siege of Exeter
Anglo-Cornish War of 1549
Battle of Sampford Courtenay Account of the Rebellion on Google books
More here
More here

Glory of the Sun releases

2010-10-25T12:33:00.000-07:00

New cavalry and dragoons from Copplestone castings.
They look great - I fancy painting some up as Monmouth Rebels.

Grolle 1627-2010

2010-10-25T09:54:00.000-07:00

Phil Thomason's photos of battle reenactments and camp scenes are always excellent. I enjoy looking at his images - they capture the big and the little - a certain je ne sais quoi.
Here's some images of the annual event in Holland. It is part of the 80 Years War between Holland and Spain. Anyone up for an Irish tercio on the Spanish side?
Thomason's Facebook page

Mars Swings For The Fence Again!

2010-10-23T06:04:00.000-07:00

Well, PSR just announced that Mars has several new offerings, all four for the Thirty Years War. The first of these with any photo's on the Mars site looks like it could have been quite promising, and may find some use in your Army, but falls a bit short of the big base hit that it could have been.

French Infantry and Guard, #72039, pretty much depicts what the name suggests, except the "Guard" appear to be dismounted Mousquetaires du Roi (at least by the paint job shown on the box). Now, I'll grant you, French musketeers in cassock don't have to be the famous Guard units of the King and Cardinal, but they depict these in four poses, two functional musketeers (although with musket rests, which had pretty much fallen out of favor in France) and two that appear to be dueling with sword (probably useful to the skirmish gamer, but not of much value in a battle line). The other two musketeers shown are quite functional poses without rests and much more useful.

And, for once, a plastics maker has gotten the ratio of muskets to pikes correct for the period, although the pikemen shown are all in morion with back & breast and tassets, no lighter, rear-rank troops or helmet options. Then there are the obligatory "silly" poses one has come to expect from so many plastic sets; the first figure in the top row would appear to be a pikeman without his pike, sword drawn and trying to block a blow with his fist (or complaining of a headache perhaps?), and the second figure in the top row has his musket over his head by both hands (wading a stream perhaps?). The Command figures appear fairly useful, a decent Officer pose and standard bearer (although the flag is, as usual, too small). Both "true" pikeman figures are in nice aggressive poses and appear fairly well-modeled, if a bit over-armored.

And now the bad news (you knew it would be there, it is Mars after all), typical of their recent sets, there will be 4 each of the 12 offered poses. While there are enough pike and shot for a good 1:2 ratio 24-man unit, you will also have 8 "duelists", 4 officers and 4 standards, 4 of the bugger with his fist to his head, and even worse, 4 of the musketeer "wading the stream" to either chuck in the spares box or trade away (although the musketeer with his musket overhead might make a decent casualty figure with a bit of cutting). And where is the drummer, you might ask? Well, not in this set. I guess this will be a good opportunity for all of those extra drummers you got with either the Imperialists or the Swedes, eh?

Unfortunately, since this is Mars' own preview, the actual cast figures that you can buy will probably not look as good as the panted test shots on the box, at least not if Mars' recent history is anything to go by. So much potential, so little fulfillment, seems to be Mars' mantra doesn't it?

By the way, the other three releases are:

72036 - Swedish Heavy Cavalry
72037 - Imperial Mounted Arquebusiers
72038 - Imperial Siege Artillery

Of these, the box art for the Mounted Arquebusiers has some promise, with 6 poses and only two of each, for 12 total figures. The Swedish Heavy Cavalry might have some promise, or they might be bad copies of the old Revell figures yet again, no detail available yet.

Bill

PS - Please forgive the American Baseball references, but last night I got to see the Texas Rangers win the American League pennant and advance to the World Series of Baseball, and strike out the locally-despised Alex Rodriguez (a former Ranger who cost us millions) on the last pitch. High times in Texas!

Edgehill's spectral reenactment

2010-10-23T05:34:00.000-07:00

This battle of the ECW was fought today, kicking off the war in fine style. Though what interests me most about this battle was the very frequently seen spectral refighting of this battle in the skies. This article from the Headless Horseman tells the tale very well - a BBC article tells the tale in more detail here which tells of the pamphlet published on the subject and the fact that Charles I sent observers to find out about it and they witnessed the phenomenon - seeing colleagues in the sky...

Edgehill - Warwickshire
The battle of Edgehill took place on 24th October 1642, and was the first major battle of the English Civil War. 3,000 Roundhead and Royalist soldiers lost their lives on this historic ground and their spirits still appear centuries after. On 23rd December 1642, shepherds tending their sheep at Edgehill witnessed a spectral re-enactment of the entire battle. At first the shepherds heard the sound of drums, then the noise of soldiers could be heard - giving out their last groans. Then appearing in the air “the same incorporeal soldiers that made those clamours” and phantom armies fought in the sky above the original battlefield. The phantom Parliamentarians and Cavalier soldiers re-appeared over several nights and were witnessed on Christmas Day by many people. In the 1940s Bill Priest, a local school master, claimed that ghostly phenomenon was a common occurrence in the area surrounding the field.

Hard Plastic Marlburians

2010-10-20T01:48:00.000-07:00

These 28mm WSS generic figures are now available from Wargames Factory. Fill yer boots!

WSS 28mm

2010-10-16T03:26:00.000-07:00

Well painted Front Rank by the looks - by the Grimsby wargamers.

Whitehall Roundhead march

2010-10-14T02:34:00.000-07:00

This Sunday up in London the Roundhead Association of the ECWS are marching to celebrate the anniversary of the Regicides who were hanged drawn and quartered in 1660. What that is all about is well explained on this blog here with times etc. Should be fun if you are in the capital.
Image A Roundhead by John Pettie
If you're wondering where the term Roundhead comes from here's what the wiki says

Origins and background

"Roundheads" appears to have been first used as a term of derision toward the end of 1641, when the debates in Parliament in the Bishops Exclusion Bill were causing riots at Westminster. Some, but by no means all, of the Puritans wore their hair closely cropped round the head, and there was an obvious contrast between them and the men of courtly fashion with their long ringlets. One authority said of the crowd which gathered there, "They had the hair of their heads very few of them longer than their ears, whereupon it came to pass that those who usually with their cries attended at Westminster were by a nickname called Roundheads." According to John Rushworth (Historical Collections) the word was first used on 27 December 1641 by a disbanded officer named David Hide, who during a riot is reported to have drawn his sword and said he would "cut the throat of those round-headed dogs that bawled against bishops".

However, Richard Baxter ascribes the origin of the term to a remark made by Queen Henrietta Maria at the trial of the Earl of Strafford earlier that year; referring to John Pym, she asked who the roundheaded man was.

The principal advisor to Charles II, the Earl of Clarendon (History of the Rebellion, volume IV. page 121) remarked on the matter, "and from those contestations the two terms of 'Roundhead' and 'Cavalier' grew to be received in discourse, ... they who were looked upon as servants to the king being then called 'Cavaliers,' and the other of the rabble contemned and despised under the name of 'Roundheads' ".

Ironically, after Anglican Archbishop Laud made a statute in 1636 instructing all clergy to wear short hair, many Puritans rebelled to show their contempt for his authority and began to grow their hair even longer ^[2] (as can be seen on their portraits), though they continued to be known as Roundheads. The longer hair was more common among the "Independent" and "high ranking" Puritans (which included Cromwell), especially toward the end of the Protectorate, while the "Presbyterian" (i.e. non-Independent) faction, and the military rank-and-file, continued to abhor long hair. By the end of this period some Independent Puritans were again derisively using the term Roundhead to refer to the Presbyterian Puritans.^[3]

The memoirs of Captain Peter Drake

2010-10-12T07:40:00.000-07:00

CONTAINING,

An Account of many Strange and
Surprising Events, which happened to
Him through a Series of Sixty Years, and
upwards; and several material Anecdotes,
regarding King William and Queen
Anne's Wars with Lewis XIV. of France

Born today in 1671 this famous Wild Goose's memoirs are up in full on Google Books and as it is birthday today I thought you might like a shufty.

Fort George

2010-09-29T03:37:00.000-07:00

BBC documentary on the impressive 18th century fort in Scotland.

More GNW images

2010-09-25T06:59:00.000-07:00

News piece here on a different kind of GNW reenactment.

William Lawes

2010-09-24T02:46:00.001-07:00

This court composer of Charles I's court was killed today at Rowton Heath in 1645.

Mars Swings and Misses, Again!

2010-09-23T03:44:00.000-07:00

Well, PSR finally got their hands on a set of the "Scots Mercenaries (Thirty Years War)", and the review and photos, sadly, are about what I expected. That the figures are based heavily on the Köler engraving of "Irelanders" arriving at Stettin is obvious, which is why I included that engraving at the top, originally published in 1631. This engraving has long been used by figure manufacturers as justification for depicting TYW Scots in typical Highland dress, whether accurate or not. It's depiction has also been surrounded by controversy for even longer than we have had figures to go with it.

While the engraving may, indeed, accurately depict "Irelanders" (actually Scots Highlanders) as they might have arrived, fresh off the boats, it certainly does not depict them as they served in the Swedish or French armies of the TYW. It has long been shown, from other illustrations, muster rolls and anecdotal sources, that the Scots in Swedish service were uniformed by their employer. So too were the Scots in the French army. In fact, considering just how stereotypical "Highland" these figures are, it's difficult to imagine what they might be used for, except possibly a small Highland contingent in the early ECW, and they're too well armed for that with 20 matchlock muskets to 12 pikes (and 2 of the pikemen are definitely wearing trews and later armor with tassets, back & breast and helmets, while the third appears to have a belted plaid worn with his trews and a bonnet). You do get two archer figures, but with an odd recurve bow instead of the more traditional straight stave Highland longbow.

I'll leave you to read the full review on these on PSR's site, as well as see the pictures, but I fear that once again Mars have taken what could have been a promising set and missed the mark badly. Also, following Mars' recent practice, there are four (4) of each and every figure/pose in the pack, showing once again that Mars knows little (or perhaps cares little) of what the wargamer does with their figures. As always, my opinions only, your mileage may vary.

Bill

Kexholm 1710

2010-09-21T05:06:00.000-07:00

The reenactment of the 300th anniversary of this siege in the Great Northern War went well. Scaling ladders were used and the results look pretty spectacular. There's some great photos here
and here

Lope (2010) Official Trailer

2010-09-19T10:25:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Uwe from History inn 1/72 for this clip. Imdb here It says: A chronicle of the life of Lope de Vega, the Spanish playwright who dominated Spain's early Golden Age of theater.

HaT industries 1/32 SYW test shots

2010-09-15T00:11:00.000-07:00

I am looking forward to these figures and they look good from the test shots. Check them out
Here
Here
and here
These Prussians are likely to prove popular as Hessians and other German states.

Ironsides artwork for sale

2010-09-14T04:27:00.000-07:00

On the subject of Tangiers the original paintings from the Osprey book on Ironsides are available from this gallery.

Tangiers

2010-09-14T04:17:00.000-07:00

So the mid S0merset wargamers did an excellent Tangiers 1680 battle at Colours with the Glory of the Sun figures. They had to make do with other cavalry as the Glory cavalry are still not out. Made quite an impression from the look of it. Well done. And the club is just down the road from me - maybe I'll have to go visit.
Photos (close ups of the units) at the Captain General's site. Battle in progress pictures.

Battle of Pinkie Cleugh

2010-09-10T01:44:00.000-07:00

Still in the realm of Anglo-Scottish warfare this battle was fought today in 1547. According to the wiki
It was the last pitched battle to be fought between the Scottish and the English Royal armies and the first "modern" battle to be fought in the British Isles. It resulted in a catastrophic defeat for the Scots caused by the use of naval artillery by the English for the first time in a land battle in Britain. In Scotland, it was known as Black Saturday.^[5]

Flodden Field 1513

2010-09-09T01:43:00.000-07:00

Fought today between the English and Scots in the era of Henry VIII. The last battle to be won by the longbow it will presumably be celebrated in 2013 so it might be worth checking it out. Here's part one of a six part documentary on the battle.

Gallowglass musketeer

2010-09-07T10:50:00.000-07:00

At least that's what I think it is - thanks to Uwe for sending it in - it's from the Dublin museum.

The Reivers - Making of the Borders

2010-09-04T05:04:00.000-07:00

Wiki on Border Reivers. From Ireland to Scotland in one hop - same sort of era though. Check out this site for an excellent group The Borderers.

Gallowglass

2010-09-04T04:09:00.000-07:00

This is a period I know nothing about but the below reenactment group have made me curious about this part of Irish history.
Wiki entry here. It starts with

The gallowglass were a mercenary warrior elite among Gaelic-Norse clans residing in the Western Isles of Scotland (or Hebrides) and Scottish Highlands from the mid 13th century to the end of the 16th century. As Scots, they were Gaels and shared a common origin and heritage with the Irish, but as they had intermarried with the 10th century Norse settlers of the islands and coastal areas of Scotland and the Picts, the Irish called them Gall Gaeil ("foreign Gaels").

They were the mainstay of Scottish and Irish warfare before the advent of gunpowder, and depended upon seasonal service with Irish lords. A military chieftain would often select a gallowglass to serve as his personal aide and bodyguard, because as a foreigner, the gallowglass would be less subject to local feuds and influences.

Claíomh

2010-09-04T03:27:00.001-07:00

Webpage here
This is a 'new to me' Irish group that specialises in late 15th century early 16th century Gallowglass. They have an excellent blog. It's a very atmospheric period and the photos are excellent. If I lived in Ireland I'd be interested in this. If you want to find out more about these Gaelic mercenaries then check out this book which is illustrated by the very talented Sean O'Brogain.

Blackadder - the Cavalier Years

2010-09-01T01:50:00.000-07:00

Comedy from 1988, a one-off of 15 minutes, set in the Civil War. This, the late 80s, was about the time when I did Civil War reenacting and you can imagine that Blackadder was very popular with people at this time. Of course comedy and the Civil War had met before - most notably in the 1949 British film the Cardboard Cavalier.

Basing House photos

2010-09-01T00:48:00.000-07:00

Amazing Basing photos! I wasn't able to go and watch but as a fan of the site I've been following the relaunch of this ECW site with interest.
Something to enjoy is this selection of excellent photos of the event by Rowenna Reed.
As you can see they constructed a mock-up of Basing House for the event.

The Battle of Basing House 2010 - The Sealed Knot

2010-08-27T07:04:00.000-07:00

Bank Holiday fun for the Bank Holiday weekend - why not check out what's happened in the revamped grounds. The blurb says
'Witness the Civil War brought to life from the 28th to 30th of August with cannon, cavalry and over 1000 re-enactors to mark the reopening of Basing house.

The Regiments of the Sealed Knot including Hawkins Regiment of Foote will be re-enacting the historical battle of Basing House this weekend. In addition there will be the usual Living History stands as well as other events organised by Basingstoke and Deane Hampshire County Council.'

Another Passing to Note, and a Reference

2010-08-25T21:06:00.001-07:00

By now many of our reader's will have heard that noted wargames author, editor and rules writer Terry Wise passed away on August 17th. Our thoughts go out to Terry's Family. Many of us will remember being influenced either by Terry's writings in Military Modelling's "Observation Post" column, or in "Battle for Wargamer's", or his book "Introduction to Battlegaming", or his many sets of rules published by his own company, Athena. Bon chance Mr. Wise, and may you join that august group of elders already in that Great Gaming Room above for hours of enjoyment!

Now, for a timely "plug": If you haven't already heard of John Curry Events or the "History of Wargaming Project", then you need to follow the link above to check it out. John began a project a few years ago to "resurrect" as many of the seminal books, rules and printed guides for wargaming as possible and reprint them. In some cases, the original authors are still very much with us and have added new introductions or comments; in others he has dealt with the estates of the original authors and gained the rights for the re-prints.

Two of his first efforts were "Charge! Or How to Play Wargames" by Brig. Peter Young and Lt. Col. Lawford, and "The Wargame" by Charles Grant. Both of these books were published and printed by Ken Trotman with John's involvement, and are available through either On Military Matters in the US or through Caliver Books in the UK. John has also published, through his own company, most of the books and rules by such authors as Don Featherstone, Charlie Wesencraft, Paddy Griffith, Tony Bath, Terry Wise, Fred Jane, Fletcher Pratt, Phil Barker and George Gush, which either are available or soon will be directly from John's site.

Two of John's recent coups have been to arrange for a re-print of WRG's 6th Edition Ancients Rules combined with Phil Barker's classic "Purple Primer" (originally published as part of the Airfix "Guides" series) which are available for order now, and a re-print of George Gush's WRG 2nd Edition Renaissance Rules (1420-1700) with lists and amendments (still working with George as of this writing). All well worth checking out if you still enjoy these rules and books, or if you simply want to complete a collection of the "masters" of our hobby.

Bill

GNW at Narva

2010-08-18T09:16:00.000-07:00

Always good to see the Great Northern war going strong. See still images and all the latest on this 1709 blog.

Bavarian Grenadier 1704

2010-08-18T00:55:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Bavarian Uwe of the History in 1/72 blog for these images of a Bavarian gren in the campaigns of 1704

An Auspicious Day In History

2010-08-16T08:41:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

On this day in history:

1777 The Americans defeated the British at the Battle of Bennington
1780 The British defeated the Americans at the battle of Camden

One win, one loss, for either side.

1958 Madonna is born
1977 Elvis dies

Again, one win and one loss, depending on one's tastes.

1888 T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) is born

Big win (Peter O'Toole thought so too)

And on this day in history, along with many others through the years, both high and low, Sir William the Aged entered this World, probably already talking (at least if you believe my Family!).

Yet to determine if this was a win, a loss or a draw, time will tell I'm sure.

At any rate, Thank You for checking in from time-to-time and for sharing my Birthday with me. I'll try and think of something a bit more interesting to post in the next few days.

Bill

Interesting looking Osprey

2010-08-16T01:31:00.000-07:00

Written by Keith Roberts. He seems to know his onions when it comes to this period.