Crimean vignette

A fun set of figures from Great War Miniatures wonderful range of figures.  Russian NCO's motivating the soldiers to advance for the greater glory of the Tsar.  I use them in my Crimean War games when ever things go wrong with the Russian players.

The Battalion of Incorporated Militia of Upper Canada

In March  1813 the Canadian Legislature created the Volunteer battalion of Incorporated Militia of Upper Canada. Volunteers were to be equipped, trained and paid as Regulars, and to serve for the duration of the war.  Most of the men came from the militia and had served in a previous campaign. During its first year of existence the Incorporated Militia saw action at Fort York, Fort George, The capture of Fort Niagara, the burning of Buffalo, the raid on Madrid (New York), and numerous other small skirmishes.  In March 1814 the ten existing companies of the Incorporated Militia were assembled at York and amalgamated into a single battalion under Lt-Col. Wm. Robinson (8th Regiment).

On July 6th, 1814, the Battalion sailed to Fort George and were assigned to the Light Brigade. After a few skirmishes with Americans, they were ordered forward on July 25th to assemble along the hill by Lundy's Lane.  The IMUC were placed on the far left of the British line holding left the flank.  The battle began around 6 PM and continued in the dwindling light as both sides committed reinforcements.  Around sunset the American 25th Regiment succeeded in getting around the British flank and hit the IMUC on its flank.  The IMUC did not break but fell back in reasonably good order, rallied and returned to the fight . The battle raged through the night until both side were exhausted and left the field.  The IMUC lost one Ensign and six men killed; four officers and 39 men wounded; five officers, three Sergeants and 14 men prisoners; 75 missing (most of the who turned up over the next few days).

During the winter, the Legislative Assembly passed a series of acts to expand and improve the Incorporated Militia. It was also planned to change the uniform to a more practical green and they be allowed to bear "Niagara" upon their colours and appointments. But with the ending of the War, the Incorporated Militia was disbanded on March 10th, 1815.  In 1821, the Battalion was finally presented with a set of colours, which were lodged in the care of the York Militia. They are currently in the National War Museum in Ottawa.

In creating the Volunteer Battalion of Incorporated Militia of Upper Canada (is that a great name or what!) I used the Knuckleduster miniatures.  As there are conflicting information on its uniform I followed Forrest Harris's advice.  They were to be issued regular uniforms faced green.  Later in the summer 1814 the facings were to be changed to blue.  Although blue cloth was sent it is unknown if they made the change.  To make the unit look more interesting I painted officers with the new blue facings (since they provided their own uniforms)  but left the  rank and file in green facing's.  There are some suggestions the battalion received left over  stove pipe shakos;   round hats were very popular so I mixed the headgear, again to make the unit more interesting and stand out on the tabletop.

    The Incorporated Militia of Upper Canada added a dash of color to my tabletop army.  They blend with the regulars, but look slightly different. As part of 2nd or Light Brigade with the 2nd Lincoln militia and Glengarry Light Infantry and occasionally Norton's Indiands  this will be a fun command!

   If you would like to learn more about this fine regiment I suggest "Redcoated Ploughboys" by Richard Feltoe.

2nd Regiment Lincoln militia

    The  various battalions of the Lincoln militia were active throughout the 1814 campaign.  The 2nd Regiment fought at both Chippewa and Lundy's Lane.  I wanted them for my collection, but had to research what they would look like for the table top.  As is usual for my miniature regiments I wanted them to be accurate but also look interesting.

    What I found was that the militia wore both uniforms and civilian clothes. While  they  wanted to present a uniform appearance, it was very rarley achieved.  Depending on the year or month they were given red coats with yellow facings, green coats with red or yellow facings, castoffs from the 41st Foot (red faced red), regulation gray

trousers,   "gunmouth" blue trousers. Head gear were left over stove pipe shakos, round hats or what ever the individual brought with them.  Equipment were regular accoutrements.  The troops who came the closest to military uniformity were the flank companies, who's uniforms included lace and possibly wings.

   When I started this project I was confused over the terms "embodied" and "sedentary" militia.  These troops who served for longer tours of duty were termed "embodied" militia while those who were called  away from their farms and businesses only during times of dire emergency were the "sedentary" militia.  They seldom had uniforms, and were instructed to report for battle turned out in a civilian coat made of a dark cloth, but avoid grey coats, which was the color frequently used by the Americans.

Miniatures are from the extensive Knuckleduster miniatures War of 1812 line.

Glengarry Light Infantry

   The Glengarry Light Infantry was a light unit raised in the Glengarry area of Canada.  Recruits were mainly Scottish emigrants who came from Novia Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward island.  Originally a Fencible Regiment it was granted regular status.  They served throughout the war and distinguished themselves in numerous actions.

  The uniform resembled that of the more famous 95th Rifle regiment.  Dark green coats and trousers, faced black with black equipment.   Officers wore sashes highland style over the shoulder rather then around the waist.  Instead of the baker rifle the men were armed with the standard British smoothbore musket.

Old school terrain Hills

  I have always liked these old school style hills.  They remind me of the maps on the old Avalon Hill games. To me they are wicked pissa (as we used to say in my mis spent youth).   They are not what is standard on most game tables.  But then I have never been part of the in crowd.  

 If any of the readers of this blog have made these or know gamers who have made these please contact me.  I would love to know how you made them, or suggestions on how to make them.  Did you use blue board?  Or MDF (which I know nothing about).  I am interested in making these would appreciate any suggestions or how to.

Thank you!

Battle of Princeton

Battle of Princeton January 3, 1777

Love this portrait of Washington representing his twin victories of Trenton and Princeton.  Leaning on the captured cannon, captured colors at his feet.  A Marvelous smile on his face.  Yes, I saved the revolution, and proved my critics wrong.

Eye witness panting of the Battle.  Great details for uniforms, colors.

Happy New Year 2017

The Light Division will advance....in a game!

  Following on the heels of my last post of 2016, here is the first post of 2017.

As is the custom it's time for resolutions and plans.  What to do and how to do it.

Need to get these fine fellow on the table

First complete my projects. Always a good intention but so seldom carried through. But I will make a try.

The beatings will continue until your projects are done, comrades.

War of 1812:
Complete British forces.  Already a good start and enough figures on hand for some games.  Bases and flags are on order.  Last minute just got to have (cavalry and rockets) I can pick up at Cold Wars in March.

Time for Cousin Johnathan to meet Thomas Lobster.

Rev War:
Need flags for my loyalists.  A few additional cavalry and some militia would be nice.

Crimean:
Need to get them onto the table top!

That young man, Nolan, I don't like him....

Terrain:
This is my big push for the year.  After years of trial and error I found I am looking for a old school minimalist terrain.  But with static grass ground cloths.

  Need to make hills to go with it, the old steeped type hills. But not painted but covered in static grass.   I have Plenty of fences, fields and woods.  But they are more game friendly rather then diorama. An example would be woods which are outlined and trees placed in them which can be moved about to make room for figures moving.  Clear, simple and game friendly.  I like my roads fromBattlefield Terrain Concepts.  But looking for good rivers.  These are big on my shopping list.  Not pleased with what I have so looking for suggestions.

So there you have it.  Better table tops and terrain.  Paint a bit but more playing games.