Napoleonic Bavarian artillery

Franznap has spotted a niche. By producing artillery riders with greatcoats/overcoats they have given war gamers the flexibility to produce some interesting conversions, even if the covered up uniform might be a bit dull. It also helps to alleviate the problem of getting these uniforms right…quite a bit of conflicting information.

The heads were from Bavarian infantry (SHQ) and not from Newline Designs as they would have been too small.  I was keen not to cut off the collar of the Franznap French artillery rider bodies. Look ok to me. The horses are from Art Miniaturen (static Prussian) and the French caisson from Franznap. Looks like I will need to order the Art Miniaturen Prussian caisson to accompany this Bavarian set. I may also have to trim down the boots as they probably ought to be wearing campaign trousers. (the boots are barely noticeable under the coat) I also had to trim off the bum roll from the horse or else the rider would not fit properly onto the horse.

I have no idea at this stage which limber to choose but reading various forums it would probably be either the Austrian or Prussian limber (probably the latter) Bearing in mind so much equipment was captured I think the colour of the limber and caisson is perhaps more important than the actual type.

The Prussian caissons are also nearly finished. Just need to do the traces and base them properly. One row of these horses have not yet been stuck down….or else I would have problems doing the inside track of the traces. Tedious job but needs must. I will add some hay to the rear of some of the caissons.

Hanau 1813 Battle map

Starting positions for both sides will roughly reflect the actual battle with a few modifications: The game will be fought out on a 17 foot x 9 foot table. The bottom table including Hanau can be detached from the remaining set up, to allow easy access.

French forces will be concentrated in the woods and will comprise two brigades of Old Guard infantry with plenty of Guard Chasseur skirmishers out front. One Young Guard brigade, one French line brigade and one French conscript brigade will push through the woods with some cavalry support on both flanks. The majority of French cavalry will appear later on the French right flank. This will include the Guard cavalry. The majority of the artillery will also be coming down the north/south track/road through the forest.

From a previous game. French cavalry advance. 

The Allies will have one Bavarian Division of two brigades on the left flank. Each brigade will have two jaeger battalions plus skirmishers so should be able to delay the French advance, once they realise what has hit them. One Austrian Division will be on the right flank but will not be permitted to move left across the Kinzig stream until either French infantry have appeared from the southern most part of the Lamboy wood or have received an ADC from Hanau (C-in-C) to do so.

In reserve the Austrians will have a further division comprising two brigades of infantry, together with two heavy cavalry brigades, both with horse artillery.

Foot artillery will be spaced evenly across the battlefield. The reserve division in Hanau will have two 12lbs heavy batteries complete with limbers and caissons.

Unknown to the French there will be a Cossack brigade of cavalry roaming around somewhere.

That's the idea….could easily change!

Hungarians and Austrians in a previous game.

Hanau 1813

Pleased to announce that the forth coming 20mm Napoleonic game to be held in the barn on June 4th  will be Hanau, fought in October 1813.

I'm a little unsure wether the actual town of Hanau will be present, but it is likely that buildings representing the outskirts, will be there. Will need plenty of trees for this game as it would be good to kick off the game with the clearing of the woods by the Old Guard skirmishers/chasseurs. May need to even up the odds in favour of the Allies slightly.

French forces will roughly resemble those at the battle and will include Old Guard, Young Guard, conscripts, light infantry, Old Guard cavalry plus foot and horse artillery. I just hope to have the caissons completed on time. French forces will number approx 1,700-1,800.

Allied forces will include Bavarian infantry (only 300) so will have to use more Austrians. I hope to finish the Hagen Bavarian cheveuxleger in time to go with the Bavarian lancers (converted plastic figures, but don't look out of place).

The Austrians will be the Art Miniaturen figures. (600) plus 200 Grenzer figures from an unknown manufacturer, where the poses are all the same. Austrian cavalry will feature Hussars and Uhlans (Franznap) as well as Cuirassiers, Dragoons, and Cheveuxleger all from Art Miniaturen. Austrian guns will be from Art M and will be complete with limbers and caissons.
A brigade of Cossacks (3 regts of 16 Art M figures in each regt) plus a horse battery will also feature. So the Allies will have approx 1,300-1,400

caissons still to come.