Monday 4 March 2019

8th (King's Royal Irish) Hussars

Deciding to start from the rearmost regiments for the charge of the Light Brigade allows me to focus on the 8th Hussars.


First raised by Henry Conyngham in Derry in 1693, they were ranked the 8th Dragoons. Disbanded in 1714, the regiment was reformed a year later and saw service in both Jacobite uprisings, and Flanders - the latter as light dragoons. In 1818, the colonel, Banastre Tarleton, was instructed to convert them to a regiment of hussars.


Like most regiments involved in the charge, both squadrons of the 8th Hussars were down to half strength by October 1854. Thus, they have been represented by a single (small) unit of six 28mm Great War Miniatures figures.


In comparison to their splendid 1914-era sculpts, I must admit to having felt disappointed by the quality of the castings. Many of the horses required pinning with brass rods at the ankle, as did the odd tail. However, the figures have been well-researched, and match the dress and equipment indicated by the primary sources for the charge.


Their commander was made by combing the torso and arm of Nolan with the head, lower body, and the mount of the regular Hussar officer sculpt.

In the first of a series of images as I put together the uniform and equipment worn by 13th Light Dragoons in 1854, here's a reproduction haversack, aka bread bag.



Taken some months after the battle, Roger Fenton's photo of the 8th Hussars cookhouse is still a useful reference as is the aquatint by J Harris of the unit in Chobham c.1853:


Tuesday 15 January 2019

Imperial Germans XI

I've a few additions to share in regards to the Imperial German project.

First up is a second artillery battery:



Another batch of Uhlans for the 9th (2ndPomeranian) Uhlans:



Command Stand - senior infantry officers with attendant cuirassier:



28mm Great War Minis as usual.

I intend to convert come Uhlans into Dragoons to serve as a divisional cavalry squadron, but am other wise holding off in the hop GWMs will release some cuirassiers to allow me to complete the 3rd Cavalry Bde.

A New Year and a New Project

I've been remiss in posting any updates for some time. Moving, buying a house, another horse, another dog, work, and completing my PhD have all taken time away from painting and gaming - nevermind writing about it.

Still, with my WW1 Imperial German force having reached a 'rounded' stage (let's face it, no army is ever really finished!) and only a few units to finish off for the c.1812 Russians, I feel inspired to start something new in both wargaming and living history.

So I bring you, Great War Minitaures' Light Brigade cleaned, based, and ready for undercoating: