Wednesday, 22 March 2023

Dragoons and Dragoon Operations out

 

#NewRelease 

We are pleased to announce Dragoons and Dragoon Operations in the British Civil Wars, 1638-1653 is now available! 

This book explores the concept, raising, equipping, composition, organization, and operational role of dragoons during the British Civil Wars. It also provides information about known dragoon units and their activities, across a relatively broad geographical and chronological range, and challenges previous interpretations in the light of more recent research. As such, this represents the first sustained study of early-modern dragoons. These soldiers were an essential part of seventeenth-century armies, even if some contemporaries reflected uncertainties about their precise function. Arguably, as part of the wider context of ‘military revolution’ in the tactics and prosecution of war in Europe, during the Thirty Years’ War in particular, the medium harquebusiers and mounted infantry continued to evolve. Although dragoons occasionally delivered mounted charges, their distinctive character dictated that they were employed in operations where mobility was essential – the seizing of bridges and strongholds, raiding, reconnaissance, patrolling and foraging. Dragoons were also used for defending hedges and passes, specialist siege operations, and in providing covering fire for both the horse of foot. 

This book therefore covers the following areas: the origins and role of dragoons; combined arms tactics and specialist operations; organization and composition of dragoon units; pay and quarter; arms and ammunition; standards, equipment and clothing; horses, equine care, saddlery and fodder; the Oxford Army; the Earl of Essex’s Army; the Eastern Association Army; the New Model Army; and the role of dragoons in regional warfare.

✨ Save 20% off RRP until Wednesday 29th March– no code needed ✨ 

Buy it here: https://www.helion.co.uk/military-history-books/dragoons-and-dragoon-operations-in-the-british-civil-wars-1638-1653-.php



Tuesday, 21 March 2023

From Aleksandr Kabankov


 "Hello friends!)))) I present the figurine of an English officer of the guards of the early 18th century for Troop54. Scale-1/22 (75 mm.)"

Pontefract Castle in the 17th century

 Wiki

Painting in Pontefract Museum of Pontefract Castle in the early 17th century, by Alexander Keirincx

Sealed Knot event

 


By Fire and Sword 2 edition | Kickstarter trailer


Saturday, 18 March 2023

Looks an interesting title

 Autumn 2023. Register interest and read about it here




Monday, 13 March 2023

The 68th

They say  ''We are also very excited to finally have the return of Lambton’s this season!

We shall be attending the Living History Festival at the Moira Furnace Museum and Country Park on the 22nd/23rd April, portraying the regiment as it was when it was first founded during the Seven Years War.

If you’re interested in joining us please let us know via Facebook Messenger, email, or the website:''

E-mail: old_68th@outlook.com
Website: www.68dli.co.uk


Carolean cavalry by Historical costume storeland

 See more at their Facebook page


The Science of Arms. - The Art of War in the Century of the Soldier 1672-1699

Volume 1: Preparation for War and the Infantry

Stephen M. Carter

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Science-Arms-Preparation-Infantry-1618-1721/dp/1804510017

Impressive start to a three volume series

This is Volume 1 of a trilogy of books on the subject and from the first volume an excellent start has been made. The concept as I see it is an analysis of the main military treatises of the period with the aim of understanding the military mindset of the time. Taken from the English language versions.

Part 1 is preparing for war and War policy investigating the justification for war and a 'just' war. This is followed by preparing for war and preparing your magazine. All through the book are many fine illustrations from the original books to give a visual dimension to the subject. Infantry postures (the positions used in drill) are analyzed in depth. Both pike and musket postures are depicted and analyzed. All in incredible detail. This is a book that goes in depth on the subject. Next up are company evolutions followed by battalion evolutions as the body becomes larger. Battlefield evolutions come next. Forming defensive bodies brings the infantry volume to a close.

All in all a fine book with lots of detail and a visual feast. Can't wait for the next volume.

Quad-barreled pistols

 Steve Carter author of Fighting for Liberty and One King and the recent Science of Arms has been visiting the Musée de l'Armée Paris and he found these pistols -  he notes in his books that these were documented in use at the skirmish at Ashill by some of Monmouth's cavalry as well as double-barreled carbines. 


Hernán I Trailer (2019)

 I don't think this is available in Europe or in an English language version but it's worth watching the trailer in my opinion. Wiki

Saturday, 11 March 2023

The fugitive King Charles II

 http://www.thefugitiveking.uk/index.php/paintings-by-isaac-fuller/

Charles II commissioned Isaac Fuller to do a series of paintings depicting his flight into exile. Done 1660-70 I thought they were interesting because of the ordinary clothing depicted. Here are the set of them.



Friday, 10 March 2023

New from Bruno Mugnai

 

#NewRelease 

We are pleased to announce Wars and Soldiers in the Early Reign of Louis XIV Volume 6. Armies of the Italian States 1660-1690 Part 1 is now available! 

✨ Save £5 off RRP until Sunday 12th March– no code needed

Buy it here: https://www.helion.co.uk/military-history-books/wars-and-soldiers-in-the-early-reign-of-louis-xiv-volume-6-armies-of-the-italian-states-1660-1690-part-1.php 



Wednesday, 8 March 2023

Halte des Troupes (Soldiers and Women in an Encampment) Attributed to Jean-Baptiste Joseph Pater French

 From hereJoseph Pater (French, Valenciennes 1695–1736 Paris). Artist wiki


In the next issue of Wargames Illustrated


 Free epic Pike and Shotte. Out March 19. Order from North Star

Friday, 3 March 2023

My newest blog

 


Dedicated to the Arthurian period here

By Fire and Sword II Kickstarter

 Facebook page for updates


Van Dyck WSS 10-12mm

Van Dyck have announced some new miniatures coming soon. See their Facebook page for more or check out their page . These miniatures are excellent. See an article on them in 2018 Wargames Illustrated here



Wednesday, 1 March 2023

This book looks good. Forthcoming


THE MEN OF WARRE

The clothes, weapons and accoutrements of the Scots at war from 1460-1600

The Men of Warre examines the  clothes, weapons and accoutrements of the Scots at war between 1460 and 1600 using a wide range of sources to present a clear picture of the what the highland and lowland Scots were wearing and fighting with in this crucial and turbulent period in Scotland’s history.  Scott has carefully drawn together a myriad of sources to present a picture of the Scots from the late medieval to the cusp of the early modern period and the material culture of war.

https://www.helion.co.uk/military-history-books/the-men-of-warre-the-clothes-weapons-and-accoutrements-of-the-scots-at-war-from-1460-1600.php?sid=db14934f0d5ed2bcc8c889f0d09864ff


For St. David's day.


Lt. Parker Steel of the Royal Welch Fusiliers 1764. Note Minden rose in his right lapel. (RWF Museum Erik Goldstein collection)

Thursday, 23 February 2023

Warlord epic Pike and shotte rules

 Designer's notes here

artwork by Marco Capparoni

Officer of the Foot Guards

 By Henry Robert Morland


Steel Fist 15mm ECW

"Examples of ECW 15mm horse,  painted by customer Nik Gaukroger. Nik's great approach of using an ink wash, brings out the fine details that Oliver has sculpted."

 Thinking of the compatibility between Warlord's epic and Steel Fist who do an utterly brilliant English Civil War range. First look is they mix well. More in time. 

Watch review of the Warlord epic here

Sunday, 19 February 2023

Thursday, 16 February 2023

Hampton Court 2002

 Back in 2002 I was recruited by Griffin Historical to help recreate 1702 for a week during the Queen's Golden Jubilee at Hampton Court.  My sister Anne visited and took these photos. It was a recruiting party led by Abs who had a routine based partly on the play by Farquhar the Recruiting officer. I was a drummer. It was very good fun with music by Hautboys. 

Ralph Mitchard



Some Warlord Pike and Shotte teasers




 

Torrington 1646

 

ECWS trooper by my sister Anne

Today's anniversary. The last major battle of the first English Civil war. Here

Wednesday, 15 February 2023

Warlord epic pike and shotte

 


News of a new range of 15mm plastics. Pics and details here

Sunday, 12 February 2023

The armies and wars of the Sun King 1643-1715. Volume 5: Buccaneers and soldiers in the Americas René Chartrand.


A must-have book on the campaigns in the Caribbean.

This book is excellent and it is well worth getting. It is a serious military history of the late 17th and early 18th centuries in the Caribbean and elsewhere. It is part of a series but can be taken on its own as its subject matter is different. For what I think is a first Chartrand and artist Patrice Courcelle recreate the buccaneers, colonial soldiers and militia of this age which inspired so much interest in fiction and movies.

If you are a wargamer, or you have an interest in the age of piracy this book is for you. My favourite book of this year so far.

Interview with René Chartrand


 English language interview on his recent book for Helion on the subject of Buccaneers and soldiers of the late 17th early 18th century Carribean. Here

Friday, 10 February 2023

Pietro Longhi Rhinoceros 1751

 My daughter is at the National Portrait gallery and found this painting interesting.

There is also this one by the same artist.

My brother who is a Rhinoceros aficionado says
"That's Clara the Dutch rhinoceros. She was hand raised in India then brought by a Dutch captain to Europe. She travelled the Rhine on a custom built raft. She responded well to oranges and beer, but her poor diet made her horn fall off. It did grow back eventually. She came to the UK too."

Tuesday, 7 February 2023

John Middleton the Childe of Hale

 My son lives in Liverpool and he visited this statue. John Middleton was over 9 feet tall and I thought his story interesting. Wiki. He took on the King's champion at wrestling and won. He was awarded £20 but was robbed or swindled out of it on the way home. BBC piece


Friday, 27 January 2023

German Peasants War figures by Steel Fist Miniatures

 A brief journey to the 16th century. These figures are just a few of the new miniatures of what will be part of the Italian wars range. I like the look of them - see more on their Facebook page. They mentioned the fact that it is the 500th anniversary next year. I think they have 5 packs planned.

If you want a book on the subject Helion are producing one shortly. Read about it here.


Wiki on the German Peasants war.

https://www.steelfistminiatures.com/

Night March to Culloden to be recreated

 Thanks to Steve for finding this. BBC article

Warwick Castle 1974 by the Sealed Knot

 Colour newsreel

Thursday, 26 January 2023

Flags of War artillery masters

 From Iain of Flags of War https://www.flagsofwar.com/ I thought they looked great.

"Trying out some test prints for new Artillery pieces I had sculpted.

British 6lb

French Swedish 4lb

French Long 4lb

Still needing artillerymen to go with the French pieces. Perfect for War of Austrian Succession and The 45. "

Iain


The Highland army at Culloden published by Caliver Books

 THE HIGHLAND ARMY AT CULLODEN/ Stuart Reid.. 154p. paperback.  V. well illustrated with colour uniform & Flags plates.  The very latest  research into its organisation, dress, equipment and flags by the acknowledged  expert in Scottish C17th &  C18th military history.

Limited edition hardback available now, Paperback in 2 weeks. Links


Glastonbury Tor and Abbey ruins

William Stukeley 1724