18th century civilians

   Here we have a few civilians to add to my back ground on my table.  All figures from Perry miniatures.  Very useful for adding interesting scenes in the background and additional color.  One more thing to brighten the table top.

Camp vignette

  I picked up this very nice vignette from Perry Miniatures at Cold Wars too many years ago.  It went into my "to do" box and got forgotten about.  I recently found it and wondered why I had never painted it!

  The camp scene is a series of small set pieces.  Here is a woman cooking over a fire, while a soldier brings a barrel of water.  Two soldiers settle the problems of the world over a drink while another soldier gets his hair dressed.  The set is full of life and very charming.

  I decided to set it in my American camp.  The timing is 1776 around New York city.  The Continental Army is not yet field tested and their clothing has not acquired the campaign look from hard service.  One soldier is in a typical New England brown faced red coat.  The one getting his hair dressed is in the uniform of the famed Delaware regiment.  The women's clothing is very well done and unlike too many miniatures correct for the time period.  No "farbs" here!  It is also of a better quality then you may find in camp.  Hence my setting it around New York before the fighting starts.

   The two continental line soldiers holding a animated conversation reminds me of two old friends from the Park Service.  To me they look like Eric Olsen from Morristown NHP and Joe Craig from Saratoga NHP.  

Light Infantry battalions

  The 1st and 2nd battalions of Light Infantry 1776.  The "Light Bobs" are ready for the skirmish at Harlem Heights that I am planning later this year.

  In the meantime a couple pictures of these fine battalions.  All figures by Fife and Drum miniatures.

Grenadier battalions

   Now that I have my two battalions of Grenadiers finished I wanted to take a few pictures.  Here we have a short parade before Lord Cornwallis.

Two quotes about the Grenadier battalions at the Battle of Brandywine in 1777.

Nothing could be more dreadfully pleasing than the line moving on to the attack; the Grenadiers put on their Caps and struck up their march, believe me I would not exchange those three minutes of rapture to avoid ten thousand times the danger."
Lt William Hale, 45th Foot.

"(The) line moving on exhibited the most grand and noble sight imaginable.  The grenadiers beating their march as they advanced contributed greatly to the dignity of the approach."
Lt Martin Hunter, 52nd Foot

2nd Grenadier battalion

  Is there anything on the table top that is more inspiring then a battalion of Grenadiers?  I think not! Having starting my past reenactment career as a Grenadier (later as a Fusilier for a much longer time) I am very particular about Grenadier figures.

   Made up of the most veteran and best soldiers in the battalion, these companies were detached from their parent regiments and combined into special, elite battalions.  They were often used as assault troops or the van guard of attacks.  The distinctive tall bearskin cap added to their height and made them stand out.  Wings, strips of regimental lace were sewed on the shoulders to also set them apart uniform wise.

   The Fife and Drum miniatures Grenadiers  are uniformed as they might have appeared on campaign with shortened regimental coats and trousers.  Swords have been placed in storage and waistbelts worn over the shoulder or converted to shoulder belts.  At this time the grenadier cap was still being worn into battle.  These were light weight, with a tin front to give it it's shape and they could fold flat. For daily service they wore a fatigue cap, made from an old coat or a cocked hat with a white feather.  At the Battle of Brandywine the commander of the 2nd Grenadier battalion Colonel Meadows is reported to  address his soldiers by saying, "Grenadiers, put on your caps (bearskins); for fighting and drinking I'll match you against the world!"

   In 1776 the 2nd Grenadier battalion was commanded by Lt. Col. Monckton and included the following companies: 43rd (white), 44th (yellow), 45th (yellow), 46th (yellow), 49th(green), 52nd (buff), 55th(green), 64th(black), 1st and 2nd Marines(white).   

   And the Fife and Drum miniatures Grenadiers are some of the very best available today.  They look incredible and have a noble bearing to them.  Outstanding!  The only figures that give them a run for their money were the Edward Suren American Rev War Grenadiers  if you can find them today.