The Wheatfield at Gettysburg in 28mm

A couple of weeks back while some of the Southern Strategists were still on summer holiday in the Southern Hemisphere, I hosted an ACW game in 28mm here at the Mess. Rodger Wood organised the scenario based on the Union attack on the Wheatfield at Gettysburg using the Regimental Fire and Fury scenario book and rules. I supplied the Confederate force of Dixon figures, with a sprinkling of Perry Miniatures, while Rodger supplied most of the Union troops, apart from my 14th Brooklyn boys on red trousers and kepis. I had the misfortune of commanding the Union brigades tasked with capturing the Wheatfield which the rebels were defending behind a stone fence. This proved an extremely bloody encounter and it was only after charging in four times that the Federals could secure a foothold in the rebel defences. Ultimately, the engagement was a draw, with both sides near exhaustion and both holding secure positions. I can confirm from expereience that the bayonet is no substitute for artillery when charging across open ground.

Until next time.

SYW Hessian Leib Cavalry Regiment in 28mm

This is my first painted unit of 2023...the SYW Hessian Leib Regiment of cavalry, which is the second unit of my first cavalry brigade. The figures are Front Rank Prussian dragoons which were the closest I could get to the Hessian uniforms. The flag is a squadron guidon from Maverick Models who do all sorts of flags for obscure regiments of smaller kingdons and principalities. Historically the uniform did not include turnbacks on the front of the coat, but I think an extra splash of red on these figures looks ok.

Until next time.

SYW Hessian Prinz Wilhem Cavalry Regiment in 28mm

This unit, which is my version of the SYW Hessian Prinz Wilhem Cavalry Regiment, was the last unit that I managed to paint up for 2022. That said, I can't take credit for all of the painting, as I was doing my little bit for the planet by re-cycling these 28mm Wargames Foundry Prussian cuirassier figures which I purchased third-hand (although I had to recruit 3 new figures from Foundry to bring the unit up to strength). When I acquired them from another of the Southern Strategists they had dark blue coats, yellow facings, and silver breast plates, which I suspect was supposed to represent an Imagination regiment. They now have white coats and blue facings as the first of my Hessian cavalry regiments. Not quite historically correct, as the Hessians had dispensed wearing the cuirass by the 1750s...but I can live with that.

. Until next time.