What were the Gostelowe flags ?

Among the papers in the National Archives in Washington D.C. is a report entitled, "A Return of ye New Standards & Division Colours for ye Army of ye United States of America In Possession of Major Jonathan Gostelowe, Comy. Mily. Stores. "  This return was part of a series done in July and August 1778.  The report describes in great detail a series of 13 new Standards and Division Colours to be issued to regiments of the Continental Army.  They describe the colors and devices on the flags and how many division colors and their colors.  Because of this they are a valuable resource for anyone studying regimental colors of the Continental Army.  It is not known which regiments were issued these flags although some writers have expressed suggestions.  

Here is a illustration of each of the thirteen Standards as well as the information provided about them in the actual "return.". Please note that all color illustrations of these flags are from Richardson's "Standards and Colors of the American Revolution."  I hope this may provide the American Revolution gamer with more information to add historically correct and colorful flags for their table top regiments.  There is actually a lot of flags out there other then the same old same old.

Standard #1. Headman Color.

Number of the Standard: 1st

Their Colours:  Green

No. of the Division Colours:  2

Their Colours: Blue and Yellow

The Device of the Standards: A pillow on the top of which is the cap of liberty supported by thirteen hands.

No. Of the Standards:  1st

Their Motto:  This We Will Defend.

Standard #2. United Defense.

Number of the Standard:  22nd

Their Colours:  Red

No. Of the Division Colours:  2

Their Colours: Green and Yellow

The Device of the Standards:  An arm in armour with a drawn sword in its hand and thirteen drawn swords linked together.

No. Of the Standards:  2

Their Motto:  We are Always Ready.

Standard #3. Harmonious Union.

Number of the Standard:  3rd

Their Colours:  Red

No. Of the Division Colours:  2

Their Colours:  Blue and Yellow

The Device of the Standards:  A golden harp

No. Of the Standards:  3rd

Their Motto: Majora. Minoribus. Consanant.

Standard #4. America Triumphant.

Number of the Standard:  4th

Their Colours:  yellow

No. Of the Division Colours:  2

Their Colours:  Blue and red

The Device of the Standards:  Britannia setting on an old stump weeping.  A tree behind her withered, her spear broken, an olive branch lying at her feet, an Indian on the opposite side with his now strung holding an arrow in his hand, by his side a dog (an emblem of fidelity).  Under his feet a shield, behind him a palm tree in full bloom, before the unduan, the sun rising upon the new empire, between the two is game flying towards the Indian holding the cap of liberty and proclaiming: be liberty thine.

No. Of the Standards:  4th. 

Their Motto:  Behold the Rising Empire

Standard #5. Sustain or Abstain.

Number of the Standard: 5th. 

Their Colours:  Blue

No. Of the Division Colours:  2

Their Colours:  Yellow and Green

The Device of the Standards:  A Thorn Bush and Hand

No. Of the Standards:  5th

Their Motto:  Sustine. Vel. Abstine

Standard #6. Death or Honor.

Number of the Standard: 6th

Their Colours: Yellow

No. Of the Division Colours:  2

Their Colours: Red and Blue

The Device of the Standards:  The Boar and Spear

No. Of the Standards: 6th

Their Motto:  Aut.  Mors.  Aut.  Vita Decora.

Standard #7. Perseverance.

Number of the Standard:  7th

Their Colours:  yellow

No. of the Division Colours:  2

Their Colours:  Blue and Red

The Device of the Standards:  The Beaver and Tree

No. Of the Standards:  7th

Their Motto:  Perseverance

Standard #8. Fight Back.

Number of the Standard:  8th

Their Colours:  Red

No. Of the Division Colours:  2

Their Colours:  Blue and Red

The Device of the Standards:  The Eagle & Craine.

No. Of the Standards:  8th

Their Motto:  Exitus on dubio est.

Standard #9.  Honorable Remembrance.

Number of the Standard: 9th

Their Colours:  Blue

No. Of the Division Colours:  2

Their Colours:  Red and Yellow

The Device of the Standards:  A Laurel Wreath in a Pedestal.

No. Of the Standards:  9th. 

Their Motto:  Si.  Recte. Facies.

Standard #10. Armed Resistance.

Number of the Standard: 10th

Their Colours: Yellow

No. Of the Division Colours: 2

Their Colours:  Blue and Red

The Device of the Standards:  An Arm in Armour With a Sword In Its Hand.

No. Of the Standards: NB.

Their Motto: The Union Agreeable to The Resolve of Congress.  Thirteen Stars is Printed on each Standard.

Standard #11.  American Defense.

Number of the Standard:  11th  

Their Colours:  Blue

No. Of the Division Colours:  2

Blue:  Red and Green

The Device of the Standards:  An Indian Representing America, Laying his Hand on the Cap of Liberty, Placed on a Pedestal, With his Now Strung, and his Dog by his Side.

No. Of the Standards:  11th

Their Motto:  This Is Mine & I'll Defend It.

Standard #12.  Resurgent.

Number of the Standard:    Blank. 

Their Colours:  Blank

No. Of the Division Colours: Blank

The Device of the Standards:  The Plant Acanthus Sprouting  Out On All Sides under a Weight.

No. Of the Standards:  12th

Their Motto:  Depressa. Resurget.

Standard #13.  United We Stand.

Number of the Standard: Blank

Their Colours: Blank

No. Of the Division Colours: Blank

The Device of the Standards: Thirteen Darts

No. Of the Standards: Blank  

Their Motto: Blank

There is a question were any of these Standard and Colours ever issued.  There is no definitive documentation either way.  But there is possibly other hints of confirmation.  Thomas Hughs of the British 53rd Regiment of Foot while a prisoner in Lancaster Pennsylvania made this observation.  "Jan: 19 (1780) A Regiment of 400 men with 6 pieces of brass cannon marched in a great parade into town - The cannon are some of those taken from Burgoyne.  The troops were well clothed and are part of the southern reinforcement.  They  have three Standards, one in the center of the Regiment, and one in the middle of each wing.  The colours were blue, red and white, with the 13 stripes in the corner of each. "  The captured Waxhaw colours are also very similar to the Standard and Colours #7.  The exception is one of the Grand Divison colours which is yellow and not red.  But with that exception very similar.  So it is possible that colours of these patterns were issued and carried in the field.  The description by Thomas Hughes also  Suggests that these were carried by battalions in the approved manner.  And this makes a interesting possibly way to organize and display your late war Continental regiments and Colours.

So, it is possible that these Standard and Colours were issued and used in the field late war by Continental line regiments.  For the American Rev War  gamers these add a very colorful and useful  addition for our American Regiments.  They also offer a alternative to non historical flags on the table top.

Biography:

A Return of Some Continental Army Regimental Colors of 1778"

Holst, Donald W. and Marko Zlatich

MCH, 19 (Winter 1967), pp. 109-115.

Richardson, Edward W.  Standards and Colors of the American Revolution.

Philadelphia, 1982.

Battle of Blastoffski Bridge 1854

 

Russian commander massed his infantry and guns together and marched to cross the river South of the bridge and church.  He hoped to use his faster speed (marching in column) to get to the river and cross it and then close with the British infantry.  He unlimber his guns as quickly as he could to get them into play and cause some damage to the enemy infantry.   He sent his cavalry north of the bridge and hoped to cause mischief there.

The British formed line with his infantry and advanced forward in a most stately manner.  His Royal Horse Artillery took the high ground to get into a good firing position while the Light Cavalry Brigade protected their exposed flank.

Once the Russian infantry reached the river they came under fire from the superior range of the British infantry. Casualties were light but both forward battalions suffered a couple morale chips.  (The morale rules are simple but deadly.  For every morale chip you subtract one  each from every dice thrown.  Since dice are used for movement and firing this can have a cumulative effect.) 

The Russian cavalry quickly crossed the river and charged their enemy.  The Hussars tangled with the Light Brigade (who counter charged) while the Uhlans took on the guns and quickly over ran them!  The Light Brigade routed the Hussars and sent them flying.

Seeing the disaster to his flank the British brigadier turned the 23rd to cover his exposed flank.  He then spent two command points to fire twice at the Russian columns in front of him to cause as much damage as he could. (Each unit has some many command points in the game.  Each turn that unit can spend a CP to do an extra action.  Once you spend a CP it is gone).  

As the Russians closed with the British line they took one more volley before close quarters fighting.  The British easily saw them off due to the morale chips they had acquired.  As they retreated they blocked the guns so the British infantry was given a break.  With a single battalion left the Russian commander turned to his cavalry who were being chased off the field by the Light Brigade.  With no hope of victory he shrugged his shoulders and thought how best to compose his report and try and salvage something from the disaster.

If you liked this action and are curious about the rules used here is a link to my explanation of how the Rules work.  They are a fun set of rules which capture the flavor of the period and provide a fun and fast game.

https://bravefusiliers.blogspot.com/2019/11/rules-i-use-for-wargaming-crimean-war.html

It was great fun to bring out my Crimean Armies.  These are my oldest miniatures and I have a great sentimental attachment to both the armies and the period.  So, I will be planning on a couple more games in the Crimean War period soon.

Return to the Crimean War

I return to the classic wargamer battle, but this time transport it to the Crimean War 1854.  The two sides are once again  looking to capture a vital bridge.

Rules used were "Charge of the Light Brigade " by David Rayburn.  A very clever set of rules which has always given me a fun enjoyable game.  The miniatures Wargame Foundry 25mm.  Here is a description of the rules and how I play them:

https://bravefusiliers.blogspot.com/2019/11/rules-i-use-for-wargaming-crimean-war.html

The photo above will give a good visual of the battlefield.  The British set up on the (viewers) left and Russians on the right.  The church blocks site only.  You can cross the river along most of its length except one foot in either side of the bridge.  

 

British Order of Battle:

Light Division: 1st Brigade.

7th Royal Fusiliers

23rd Royal Welch Fusiliers

33rd Regiment of Foot

Light Cavalry Brigade

"C" troop Royal Horse Artillery battery

Russian Order of Battle:

1st Brigade/16th Division

31st Vladimir Musketeer Regiment

(4 battalions)

Heavy artillery Battery

11th Kiev Hussars

Combined Uhlan Regiment

"Regimental Standards of William Health's Brigade of Continental Foot, 1776"

 

  One of the joys of the lifting of restrictions during this time of sickness is the reopening of libraries.  Once again I can pester the inter library loan desk to look up unusual books for me or get me long forgotten articles.  At present I am doing research on regimental colors of the Continental line during the American Revolution.  In a series of postings I will be posting some of my finds here.  I hope this spreading of information will be If service I my fellow Rev War gamers and buffs.

The information is from the Massachusetts Historical Society who have the William Heath papers.  This concerns his brigade in April/May 1776 and provides some interesting information concerning facing colors and standards for the Continental line regiments in his brigade.

 "Two standards for each regiment and four colours to each regiment for the Grand Divisions, the First Standard to be the Union throughout.  The Second to be the colour of the facings of the regiment with the following motto.

  7th Regiment Col. Wm. Prescott, red, white field, black thorn bush, flesh coloured hand extended to pluck it up, motto: "He that touches one shall prick his fingers."

 16th Regiment Col. Paul Dudley Sargent, red, white field.

18th Regiment Col. Edmund Phinney, black (crossed out) buff.

24th Regiment Col. John Greaton, buff, red field, white thorn bush, flesh coloured hand extended to pluck it, motto: the same as the 7th Regiment.

26th Regiment Loami Baldwin Colonel, straw color. "

So, what might this flag have looked like?  I have used this image of one of the Gostelowe flags as an example.  The center device is very similar to that description turn The 7th and 24th Regiments.  This flag, and others from the Gostelowe flag series are available from" League of Augusberg" at a very reasonable price. These are highly useful and very colorful.  I have used a number of them in my 1776 regiments.

https://www.leagueofaugsburg.com/shop/products-subcat-37.html

Bibliography:

Zlatich, Marko. " Regimental Standards of William Heath's Brigade of Continental Foot, 1776"

Military Collector and Historian, 33 (Winter 1981), pp. 174-175.

Also:

Papers of William Heath

Vol. 6 folio 245

Massachusetts Historical Society.

Fighting Hobkirk's Hill

General Nathaniel Greene and the Maryland brigade view the battlefield.

The game starts with the American main line deployed along ridge and skirmishers out front.  Artillery, Militia and Rifles are covered and appear in turn three (the British were historically unaware of their present). Because the Americans were surprised by the British attack they cannot move untill turn three, except for the Light troops who must delay the British advance.  

The light troops or both sides skirmish with the British side getting the worst of it.  Finally, turn three the American Artillery and militia appear.  The Virginia Brigade moves to flank the British advance supported by the militia and rifles.  Colonel William Washington brings his dragoons off the ridge to flank the enemy and the American artillery opens fire.  The light troops of both sides clear off for the line troops to take over.

On the American left flank Colonel Washington leads his dragoons in a impetuous charge against the 63rd Regiment of Foot.

The steady infantry hold their ground and the dragoons take casualties....

And go back from the direction they came from!

 The Maryland and Virginia light companies move up in the background to cover the flank if the Maryland Brigade.

On the American right flank the Virginia Brigade moves up to engage the loyalists.  The North Carolina rifles face to get in position to cause some long range damage. (Note: the small markets behind the regiments are disorganization points.  These represent temporary disorganization.  They can be removed by generals or by rallying in place).

 

The South Carolina Royalists move up to support the NYV.

Captain Coffin brings his loyalist dragoons over to add his support.

The Virginia Brigade and Loyalists continue to blaze away at each other.  

Charging home the Loyalist dragoons rout the rifles....

...and send them racing back to safety.

Lord Rawdon advanced the King's American Regiment and the Volunteers of Ireland against the Maryland line.

The 63rd rallied in place assisted by The brigadier.  (Note the D point markets by the regiment.  For each one you subtract a dice for shooting and get  -2 in close combat.  Once you get 5 P points you start to loose stands if figures.  So it is important to taken the time and remove them occasionally).

At this point, in a all or nothing move Greene ordered the Maryland Brigade off the ridge and they charged the surprised enemy.  it was regiment against regiment on the left flank.  But with both sides in good shape it was a stand off with both sides taking a casualty and a D point and locked in battle for another turn.  It looked like both sides were going to grind each other down.

On the other flank it was the same situation except both sides were shooting each other to pieces.

But in the edges of the fighting things were different.  Captain Coffin charged the advancing North Carolina militia.  They got off a ineffective volley before the dragoons crashed into them and sent them routing back.

The 63rd, having rallied now advanced to sweep the Light infantry in front of the off the field.

Add caption

With both his flanks open and the possibility of the enemy rolling up his forces Greene decided discretion the better part of valor and called the game.  He hoped after withdrawal he could met up with Lee's Legion and the various partisan commanders to continue the campaign.  Rawdon at this pointless just pleased he had driven his opponent from the field.  Tomorrow would be another day.

Summary:

I enjoyed this game very much.  I think the loss of the American dragoons so early in the game hurt the American player.  I also enjoyed the rules which I had not played for a long while.  They work very well solo and provide a fast game.  I had forgotten close combat can be a grind fest if neither side goes into them with any advantage.  In addition training grade is very important.  A better regiment will run over lesser quality regiments (see Coffin's dragoons!).  I look forward to playing this again.