Ober Nord Westfalen

Regular Units of the Slavonian Empire

2009-07-12T22:02:00.006+01:00

From top to bottom:

22nd Regiment of Horse
28th Regiment of Dragoons
1st Infantry Legion
3rd Battalion, 1st Regiment, 9th Infantry Legion

All regular units have Standards Guidons and Colours of the above pattern, only the facings colours and numbers change to show the different units. Like I said, Ho-hum.

Kozakim!

2009-07-12T20:00:00.010+01:00

One aspect of Imagi-nations I really enjoy is imagining things! Those of you who have kept up with current affairs (c1700) in ONW will know that a vague, potential threat has materialised in the secretive and mysterious Slavonian Empire. The new Avtokrator, Pyotr III, is flexing his military muscles, and for some reason best known to his poor deranged self, he has ordered that his army be re-uniformed, re-equipped and reorganised. What was a motley collection of regiments has been organised into 25 legions, each legion containing 20 battalions. Obviously, such a re-orgaionsation required some sort of system in the design and allocation of colours. Such a system was devised, and is being implemented. But quite frankly, the results, apart from the Vexillium shape of infantry colours and cavalry standards, is boring. Not so, with the irregular border horse, or Kozakim. Here the various Attamans dug in their heels, re-stated their claim that they were free land-holders and would continue to fight, if they consented to do so, under their ancient banners. so, without further ado, here are the banners of the Attamans of the six Kozakim Ordos.

Note that these images are not to scale, the long pennants of the Dan, Ostrakhan and Urak Ordos are somewhere about 20 feet in length. The other Ordo's banners are of a commendsurate size, and are normally mounted on a cart, rather than carried by a rider.

The World Expands...

2009-07-09T15:41:00.004+01:00

Well, the pigeons are certainly fluttering in the dovecote! The enigmatic Slavonian Empire has recently had a change of ruler. The Avtokrator Mikhail has died suddenly and has been succeeded by his second son, Pyotr. What has happened to his elder brother, Aleksander, is the question on everybody's lips. Unfortunately for the peace of the eastern half of the continent, Pyotr Mikhailovitch has only the frailest grip on reality, and has declared himself Avtokrator of Pan Slavia - pretty harmless stuff you might think - but a number of Slavian statelets shelter under the umbrella of our benevolent Kaiser Leopold; in effect Pyotr's declaration is a challenge to the Empire. As if this were not enough, he has, and without any sort of historical justification, demanded that Skania cede to him her overseas territories on the south and east shores of the Baltic.

Initial reports smuggled out of Slavonia seemed to suggest that Pyotr was militarily weak, capable of fielding a maximum of 25 regiments of foot, 3 'wings' of horse and six 'wings' of dragoons, until the horrible realisation sunk in. He can in fact field 25 legions of foot - each legion consisting of 20 battalions and each 'wing' of horse and dragoons consists of 16 'pulk' or regiments! In other words, 400 battalions of foot, 48 regiments of horse and 96 regiments of dragoons; somewhere in the region of half a million regular troops - not to mention the uncounted and uncountable hordes of irregular border horse, or 'Kozakim'.

Of course, most of his army is woefully deficient in training, arms and uniforms, but even so, sheer numbers must count for something.

Fortunately, the Slavonian Empire is a vast territory, extending from the White Sea in the north to the Black and Caspian Seas in the south, and from the eastern frontier of the Kaiserreich to the Pacific Ocean and is home to many disparate peoples the majority of whom would be overjoyed to throw the yoke of Petrograd, and if these territories were to be stripped of troops, then a gambling man who staked his all on revolution could comfortably do so - what sort of odds he would get is another kettle of fish entirely. Under a ruler with some grasp of realpolitik, therefore, only a fraction of Pyotr's total armed forces could be mobilised against the West, but as already stated, his grasp on reality is somewhat tenuous. He has already antagonised the Kaiser, threatened Skania with war and has seriously armed those states of the Kaiserreich that are within striking distance of Slavonia's borders. Added to this, the Slavonian Empire has been involved in a territorial war with the Sublime Porte for years - which should have been enough aggravation for anyone, but Pyotr is, alas - Pyotr.

Welcome

2009-06-28T19:24:00.002+01:00

His Highness, Albrecht, Margraf of Ober Nord Westfalen, welcomes the appointment of the ambassador from the Court of the Escorial, Don Lardo Baluna del Lobby y Corridor, who takes up his appointment with effect from the 1st day of July in the Year of Our Lord 1701. The Ambassador is accompanied by his niece, the Dona Melliflua.

Advance and be recognised

2009-06-10T22:20:00.003+01:00

The Garde Regiment zu Fuss is joined by 1/Grenadier-Regiment Nr 1, the other regiment of Infanterie-Brigade Nr 1. Behind the Grenadiers (and looking remarkably like the British 95th (Rifles) Regiment, is the Garde-Schutzen-Bataillon. So, with Feld-Artilerie Batterie Nr 1 completed (see below) I just need to finish the other two Bns of Grenadiers and the Garde Uhlan Schwadron to complete the brigade! - Then on to finish Kavallerie-Brigade Nr 1, then Infanterie-Brigade Nr 2... and then... (well, you know what I mean!)

The Guards will Advance in Review Order...

2009-06-06T16:19:00.003+01:00

... By the centre, quick march!

ONW's Garde-Regiment zu Fuss

My Other, Other Army...

2009-05-14T18:01:00.003+01:00

Just to prove that I have not been totally idle...

I present unto you the entire army (c1813) of the Duchy of Brunsland, a neighbour of ONW.

From left to right: Front: Husaren-Regiment; Rear: Uhlan-Schwadron. Next: Front: 2 Kompagniern Gelernte Jaeger; Centre: 2 Kompagniern Schutzen; Rear: Leib-Bataillon. Next: Reitende-Artillerie Batterie. Next: From Front to Rear: Linie-Bataillone 1, 2 and 3. Next: From Front to Rear: Leichte-Bataillone 1, 2, 3. Next: Feld-Artillerie Kompagnie.

(PS. One day I WILL get the hang of this camera - promise!)

2009-05-12T16:24:00.002+01:00

Many apologies for a long silence! But Real Life kicked in with a vengeance in March, when I had to put my mother into sheltered accommodation. This left me with a pile of administrative sorting out to do, and as a consequence, I didn't have much heart for my beloved ONW. But I am back now, with a few ideas to try out. Please keep reading, here and at the Schloss.

Organisations and Orbats

2009-03-10T13:11:00.002Z

Doh!! I just realised I hadn't yet done the infantry organisation for 1701! So:

1 Gruppe = 15 soldaten + 1 Grefreiter/Obergefreiter)
1 Sektion = 2 Gruppen (1 Obergefreiter, 1 Gefreiter, 30 Soldaten)
1 Zug = 2 Sektionen = 64 soldaten + 1 Leutnant or Oberleutnant, 1 Unteroffizier = 66
1 Kompagnie = 4 Zugen = 264 + 1 Hauptmann (OC), 1 Oberleutnant (2IC), 1 Feldwebel (CSM), 1 Stabsunteroffizier (CQMS), 1 Stabsgefreiter (Coy Clerk/Asst QM), 1 Drummer.
1 Bn = 5 Kompagnieren = 1320 + 1 Oberstleutnant (CO), 1 Major (2IC), 1 Oberleutnant (Adjt), 1 Oberfeldwebel (Bn SM), 1 Feldwebel (Bn QMS), 1 Stabsgefreiter (Bn Dmr) =1326
1 Regt = 2 Bns = 2640 + 1 Oberst (CO), 1 Major (2IC), 1 Hauptfeldwebel (RSM), 1 Oberfeldwebel (RQMS), 1 Unteroffizier (Regt Dmr) = 2645.

NB: The 1st Kompagnie of each bataillon is a grenadier company, almost always detached and converged with the grenadiers of another regiment to form a Grenadier Bataillon.

All together now..."I, II, III"

2009-01-03T11:59:00.002Z

Finally... All three bataillons of IR Nr 4 March ofthe painting table!

Places of Interest?

2008-11-13T19:35:00.002Z

A closer look at Ober Nord Westfalen, indicating places already mentioned. As always, clicking on the map will bring a closer view.

OberNordWestfalen.com

2008-11-11T12:09:00.002Z

Just to let everyone know that I have updated my website at

http://www.obernordwestfalen.com

The main effect has been to upgrade the image of the ONW Arms and the addition of some illustrations to the 'Family', 'History' and 'Army' pages.

Field Gunners

2008-11-05T07:56:00.005Z

While Hauptmann Ruprecht Frundsberg, OC of Feldartillerie Kompagnie Nr 1, conducts Gun Drill.

(It would be most remiss of me not mention Gabriel Landowski, who with unparallelled generosity gifted me with the camera. Thank you Gabriel.)

Gravel Crunchers

2008-11-04T22:36:00.003Z

And III/IR4 wait for their last bits of kit. In the left foreground is Oberst Wilhelm Braun (a nice young man), the CO of The Braunsland Leib Bataillon, together with his 2IC, Adjt and a half company of the Leib Bataillon. Just visible is an ensign destined for ONW I/IR3. In the background are the 8pdr guns to equip ONW Feldartillerie Kompagnie Nr 2.

(Guns are either Hinchcliffe or Minifigs 25mm, all figures are 25mm Minifigs, except for the Mitre and Tricorn-wearing figures which are Frank Hammond's Minden Miniatures, forming part of ONW's 7YW army.)

Fly Slicers

2008-11-04T22:26:00.007Z

While LDR Nr 1 takes their place.

Right of the Line

2008-11-04T18:35:00.007Z

Hauptmann Lothar Dornstadt, after weeks of confusion, order, counter-order and disorder, leads Reitendedartillerie Kompagnie Nr 1 off the painting table to their new quarters!

In the background can be seen further troops of ONW in the process of obtaining their new uniforms.

As always, click on the images for a larger (not necessarily better) view.

Organisations and Orbats

2008-10-26T17:28:00.006Z

Now that the forces of the Margraf are in the field, a short note about unit organisation in 1701.

Reiter:

1 Gruppe = 1 Gefreiter and 11 men = 12 sabres
1 Sektion = 2 Gruppen = 1 Obergefreiter, 1 Gefreiter and 22 Troopers = 24 sabres
1 Zug = 3 Sektionen = 72 sabres, plus 1 Leutnant/Oberleutnant, 1 Unteroffzier, 1 Trompette = 75
1 Schwadron = 2 Zugen = 150 sabres, plus 1 Hauptmann, 1 Feldwebel (SSM), 1 Stabsunteroffizier (SQMS), 1 Trompette = 154 sabres
1 Regiment = 4 Schwadronen = 616 sabres, plus 1 Oberstleutnant (C0), 1 Rittermeister (2IC), 1 Oberleutnant (Adjt), 1 Hauptfeldwebel (RSM), 1 Stabsunteroffizier (TM) = 621

NB: These are the fighting sabres of the regiment, medical, veterinary staff, transport drivers, orderlies, etc are not included in the above figures.

A note on the rank structure, (starting at the bottom)

Soldat* = Private
Gefreiter = Lance Corporal
Obergefreiter = Corporal
Hauptgefreiter = Lance Sergeant
Unteroffizier = Sergeant
Stabsunteroffizier = Staff Sergeant
Feldwebel = Warrant Officer Class 2 = (CSM)
Oberfeldwebel = Warrant Officer Class 2 = (Bn SM or RQMS)
Hauptfeldwebel = Warrant Officer Class 1 = (RSM)

Fahnenjunker = Officer Candidate (direct entry)
Fahnrich = Officer Candidate (from the ranks (very rare))

Leutnant = 2nd Lieutenant
Oberleutnant = Lieutenant
Hauptmann = Captain
Major** = Major
Oberstleutant = Lieutenant Colonel
Oberst = Colonel
General der Infanterie*** = Brigadier
Generalmajor = Major General
Generalleutnant = Lieutenant General
Generaloberst = General

*Also known as Reiter, Dragoner, Kanonier, Jager, Pionier, etc, depending on arm of service
** Rittermeister in Kavalerie and Artillerie
*** Or General der Kavallerie, or Artillerie, etc

Ober Nord Westfalen on Line!

2008-08-07T18:40:00.003+01:00

I am pleased to announce that due to certain obligations, I have been able to post an expanded version of the history of Ober Nord Westfalen as a web-page. It may be seen at:

http://www.obernordwestfalen.com

Please take the time to surf to this most excellent site,(my first attempt at building a web-site), although I am having a bit of trouble with one or two of the images, which I will attempt to resolve over the weekend.

Hoelbeek - 15 Jun1815

2008-07-15T18:59:00.014+01:00

This weekend I sat down with Bill Protz's BAR rules and solo-ed an encounter between the heroic soldiers of Ober Nord Westfalen and the degenerate minions of General Bonaparte. This was, in fact, a re-fight of one of my old battles, and the same orders, orbats and decisions were taken - just to see if the outcome would be vastly altered by the change in rules. I am pleased to say that once again the Gods of War smiled on the side of the righteous! (ONW won again).

I am still camera-less, so no piccies yet. But:

On the 18^th March 1815 the Margraf of Ober Nord Westfalen issued a mobilisation order for his army. The Margraftum was again about to go to war against General Bonaparte.
Needless to say it took time to re-mobilise – the army had been reduced to a peacetime cadre following Bonaprate's exile to Elba – and as a result was not ready to take the field until mid-May 1815.
On 16 May 1815, the Margraf issued orders to Generalleutnant von Hasselblut to take command of the army and march to Belgium to place the army under the Orders of Feldmarschal Herzog von Wellington.
The Army was organised as follows:

General Officer Commanding - Genleut von Hasselblut
Chief of Staff - Obst von Knyphalle
Military Secretary - Obst Seidl
QMG - Obstleut von Schoenbrun
Artillery Commander Obst Bauer
British Liaison - Lt Col A Steele RA
Prussian Liaison - Rittermeister von Fuchs (2^nd Hussars)

The Infantry Division - Genmaj von Moritz
1^st (Garde) Infantry Brigade - Gen der Brigade Marks
Garde Uhlan Sqn (12) Rittemesiter von Teschow
Garde Regiment zu Fusse (3 Bns – 48 ea) Obst Wahlen
Garde Grenadier Regiment (3 Bns – 48 ea) Obst von Markenfeld
Garde Schuetzen Bataillon (1 Bn – 48) Maj von Stahl
Feldartillerie Kompagnie Nr 1 (3 x 8 pdr, 1 x 6” How) Hptmn von Wessler
Feldjaeger Kompagnie Nr 1 (8) Hptmn Leud

2^nd Infantry Brigade - Gen der Brigade Brandt
Uhlan Regt Nr 1 (2 Sqns – 16) Rittmeister von Wulwirt
IR 1 (3 Bns – 48 ea) Obst Gruber
IR 3 (3 Bns – 48 ea) Obst Olfermann
Jaeger Bn Nr 1 (2 Coys, 16) Maj Graf von Zelle
Feldatillerie Kompagnie Nr 2 (3 x 8 pdr, 1 x 6” How) Hptmn Kellerman
Feldjaeger Kompagnie Nr 2 (8) Hptmn A a Legge

3^rd Infantry Brigade - Gen der Brigade von Ebersbach
Uhlan Regt nr 1 (2 Sqns – 16) Obstlt von Dennewitz
IR 2 (3 Bns – 48 ea) Obst Graumann
IR 4 (3 Bns – 48 ea) Obst Spieljunge
Jaeger Bn Nr 1 (2 Coys – 16) Hptmn Fassbinder
Feldartillerie Kompagnie Nr 3 (3 x 8 Pdr, 1 x 6” How) Hptmn von Kluge
Feldjaeger Kompagnie Nr 3 (8) Oleut Lang

1^st Cavalry Brigade - Gen der Brigade Zimmerman
Reiter Regt Nr 1 (32) Obstlt Schaefer
Reiter Regt Nr 2 (32) Obstlt Richter
Jaeger zu Pferde Regiment Nr 1 (2 Sqns – 16) Obstlt Wiederweg
Reitendeartillerie Kompagnie Nr 1 (3 x 8 pdr, 1 x 6” How) Hptmn Koehler

2^nd Cavalry Brigade - Gen der Brigade von Hartmann
LDR Nr 1 (32) Obstlt von Bachmeier
LDR Nr 2 (32) Obstlt Friedmann
Jaeger zu Pferde Regiment Nr 1 (1 Sqn – 8) Rittmeister Kuhn
Reitendeartillerie Kompagnie Nr 2 (3 x 8 pdr, 1x 6” How) Hptmn Gerber

3^rd Cavalry Brigade - Gen der Brigade von Eichelberger
LDR Nr 3 (32) Obstlt von Kalb
LDR Nr 4 (32) Obstlt Reiniger
Jaeger zu Pferde Regiment Nr 1 (1 Sqn – 8) Hptmn Zussman
Reitendeartillerie Kompagnie Nr 3 (3 x 8 pdr, 1 x 6” How) Oleut Mannteufel

Corps Troops - Genmaj von Weissenfels
Militar Transport Korps (6 Bns) Gen der Brigade Himmelstoss II
Pionier Regiment Nr 1 (3 Bns - 36 ea) Obst von Dressler
Feldartillerie Kompagnie Nr 4 (4 x 18 pdr - no detachments) Hptmn Keller
Feldartillerie Kompagnie Nr 5 (4 x 8” How - no detachments) Hptmn O'Neill
Feldartillerie Kompagnie Nr 6 (8 x 12 pdr) Hptm Kaplinsky
Reitendeartillerie Artillerie Kompagnie Nr 4 (8 x 6” How) Oleut von Recklinghausen

The march began on 20 May 1815, with the army moving in two parallel columns. The March was uneventful until 14 June, when a reconnaissance patrol of Uhlan Regt Nr 1 reported the presence of a French column to the South East in the vicinity of St Vith. Von Hasselblut issued orders for the overnight concentration of the army at Hasselt, between Maastricht and Leuven, at the same time throwing forward the Garde Uhlan Sqn and Uhlan Regt Nr 1 to the South East to act as a screen for his movements. Reports received during the night, of skirmishing between the Screen and advanced elements of the French force, convinced Hasselblut (not that he needed much convincing) of the aggressive intentions of the French and that he could not afford to leave a force of unknown strength on his flank while he continued towards Brussels. Prisoners taken during the skirmishing revealed that the French column was commanded by an old adversary (General de Division Jean-Luc de Picardie), and while not being so ungenerous as to suggest that von Hasselblut allowed old grudges to influence his decision, he determined to engage the French at the first opportunity.
De Picardie's orders from the Emperor Napoleon were clear and succint: he was to prevent any further reinforcements from reach either Wellington or Blucher. How he did so was entirely up to him. When contact with von Hasselblut was first reported, he ordered the light cavalry brigade of Gen de brigade Henri de la Touche to ascertain exactly what strength he was opposing. The six squadrons of de la Touche's command advanced to the North West, where they collided with von Hasselblut's cavalry screen, thus occasioning the previously mentioned skirmishing.
De Picardie's command consisted of the following:

12^th Infantry Division - Gen de Division Cluesot
121^st Brigade - Gen de Brigade du Loup
37^th Legere (2 Bns - 36 ea)
109^th de Ligne (3 Bns – 36 ea)
111^th de Ligne (3 Bns – 36 ea)

122^nd Brigade - Gen de Brigade Artois
15^th de Ligne (3 Bns – 36 ea)
23^rd de Ligne (3 Bns – 36 ea)
2 Field Artillery Compagnies (6 x 8 pdrs, 2 x 6” How)
Horse Artillery Compagnie (2 x 8 pdrs, 1 x 6” How)

20^th Infantry Division - Gen de Division Porthos
47^th Brigade - Gen de Brigade Reynard
24^th Legere (2 Bns – 36 ea)
71^st de Ligne (3 Bns – 36 ea)
107^th de Ligne (3 Bns – 36 ea)

50^th Brigade - Gen de Brigade - Tete de Bois
31^st de Ligne (3 Bns - 36 ea)
48^th de Ligne (3 Bns – 36 ea)
2 Field Artillery Compagnies (6 x 8 pdrs, 2 x 6” How)
Horse Artillery Compagnie (4 x 8 pdrs, 2 x 6” How)

21^st Cavalry Brigade - Gen de Brigade de la Touche
10^th Husards (3 sqns – 18)
14^th Chasseurs a Cheval (3 Sqns – 18)

22^nd Cavalry Brigade - Gen de Brigade de l'Isle
17^th Chasseurs a Cheval (3 Sqns - 18)
6^th Chevaux Legeres Lanciers (3 Sqns - 18 )

40^th Cavalry Brigade - Gen de Brigade d'Alsace
14^th Dragoons (4 Sqns – 24)
16^th Dragoons (4 Sqns – 24)
3 Compagnies Horse Artillery (6 x 8 Pdrs, 3 x 6” How)

Comparative Strengths ONW/ French

Infantry 21 Bns*/ 28 Bns
Cavalry 33 Sqns* /20 Sqns
Guns 78/64

*Totals include Feldjaeger and Jaeger zu Pferde comnpanies and squadrons

The forces weren't as imbalanced as it might look at first glance. The French had benefited from the return of ex-POWs and Napoleonic fervour. 2 out of every 3 infantry battalions were 'veteran', while the 3^rd battalions were 'trained'. Similarly their cavalry were all veteran, as were their artillery. The situation for ONW was more complex. The Garde-Grenadiere, Feldjaeger, Jager zu Pferde and Uhlans (incl theGarde Uhlan Sqn) were all newly raised troops, formed by cherry picking from the line, thus reducing 2 out of every 3 battalions to 'trained' from 'verteran' status; the shortfall in the line was made up by recruitment, thus the 3^rd battalions were classified as 'raw'. The Garde Grenadier regiment, although formed from the 'veteran' Grenadier companies of the line, were also a new regiment which had not yet shaken down, thus they were considered as 'trained'. The artillery had more than doubled in size, batteries now consisted of eight instead of four guns, again reducing their state of discipline from 'vertan' to 'trained'. One field battery and two horse batteries were newly raised units, and although they had a cadre of veteran gunners and NCOs were considered as 'raw'. The 18 pdrs and 8 in Hows were destined to be the army's siege train and had no detachments (gunners).
de Picardie was taken off-balance by the direction of von Hasselblut's approach march; he had been expecting any German troops to approach via Aachen (Aix la Chapelle), but Hasselblut's approach from the North West had caught him by surprise, and too late to prevent the ONW army from crossing the Maas at Hasselt. De Picardie hastily re-aligned his forces as information reached him of von Hasselblut's location, and having swung his axis from NE to NW overnight (no mean achievement) he marched West to interpose his forces between von Hasselblut and the road to Brussels.
As day broke, von Hasselblut deployed his army on a two kilometer front, with his right resting on the village of Hoelbeek, his centre at Eigenbilzen and his right resting on the Maas. He deployed two battalions of pioniers to the two vilages, with orders to fortify and hold the village perimeters. Both Light Cavalry brigades were held behind the right flank, while the Heavy Cavalry were stationed behind and just to the left of Eigenbilzen, as was the 1^st (Garde) Infantry Brigade. The 2^nd Infantry Brigade held the line between Hoelbeek and Eigenbilzen, while the 3^rd
Brigade held the line between Eigenbilzen and the Maas. The squadrons of the Jaeger zu Pferde and Uhlan Regt Nr 1 were re-combined and held in reserve, together with the Garde Uhlan Squadron, to the left rear of the Heavy Cavalry. Each Infantry brigade deployed its two regiments side by side, both with 2 battalions up and 1 battalion back. The Feldjaeger Companies and the remaining Pionier Battalion were held to the right of the Hevy Cavalry Brigade as a reserve. The Garde Schutzen and Jaeger Bataillon Nr 1 were deployed in skirmish order in front of the two first line infantry brigades. Each brigade was upported by its own artillery battery, with the Horse Artillery howitzer battery being held with the Feldjaeger and Pionier Bns in reserve.

De Picardie was in a tight spot. From his present position von Hasselblut could either march due West towards Brussels via Hassel and Leuven, South, via Liege and then swing West, or South West and link up with Blucher's Prussians around Charleroi. De Picardie was an aggressive General, perhaps ill-suited to a holding or defensive action. Perhaps he let his decision be influenced by his personal preferences, but whatever the reason, de Picardie decided to resolve his dilemna by attacking von Hasselblut.
de Picardie envisaged pinning von Hasselblut's centre while outflanking him to the North West, hoping to compress the ONW army into an indefensible horseshoe and then drive it into the Maas. In order to achieve this he decided to use the 20^th Division (plus 37^th Legere) supported by 40^th Cavalry Brigade to demonstrate against von Hasselblut's left, while the remainder of his forces marched with all haste to the North West, screening his movement by passing to the West of Bilzen and then North of the woods to von Hasselblut's right rear.
The battlefield was comparatively flat, and almost entirely open. Much of the ground was under plough, and devoted to root crops, which afforded little cover. The road from Bilzen – Hoelbeek – Eigenbilzen was on a causeway (due to the possibility of the Maas flooding in winter) which varied from 3 feet to six feet above local ground level. Von Hasselblut's deployment took good account of this causeway, and in effect turned his chosen area into a mini-fortress, offering his men cover from both fire, and to a lesser extent, from observation. The only troops visible from the main french position to the South were the batteries of artillery which had, necessarily been posted on the causeway itself. The weather was hot and humid with the promse of rain in the not too distant future.
The action began at 7 am, with a cannonade from de Picardie's guns, stationed some 800 yards from the line of the causeway. This cannonade from a total of 8 8 pdrs and Howitzers, at first caused some casualties amongst the exposed ONW batteries. Feldartillerie Kompagnie Nr 3 lost a number of gunners and one of their 8 pdrs to this preliminary bombardment before the Brigade commander made the decision to withdraw the guns into cover. Their reply was not without effect, the French losing one howitzer, but the better trained French gunners were not only more consistently accurate, but also kept up a higher rate of fire, and were less affected by the casualties they suffered.
In the meantime, while all eyes were on the ONW's left centre, de Picardie despatched the reminder of his troops to the West, before they turned North.
The French cannonade increased in intensity as they switched target from the now empty causeway to the village of Eigenbilzen, causing some of the houses to catch fire. The smoke from the fires drifted northwards, causing some distress to the horses of the Heavy Cavalry brigade and the Uhlans drawn up in their support, which accordingly changed ground to their left, bringing their left flank to rest on the Maas.
Under cover of the bombardment, the two Legere regiments advanced en grande debande, covering the advance of 27^th Infantry brigade. Both regiments of the brigade advanced in column of division, with the 3 battalions of each regiment in line, the 71^st de Ligne leading and the 107^th staggered to its right to cover the battalion intervals of the 71^st. The brigade was accompanied by its Horse Artilery battery, operating in two 3 gun divisions on each flank, with the open left flank covered by the two dragoon regiments of 40^th Cavalry Brigade. The Field gunners remaining on the gun line redoubled their efforts in order to maintain the intensity of the bombardment, but even so there was a discernible diminishment in the number of rounds striking the target area.
Von Hasselblut gave orders that the infantry sheltering behind the causeway (at this point some 3 feet high) were to remain in cover until the last moment. In the meantime, he despatched a messenger to the CO of the Garde Schutzen Bn (rifle armed) to deploy to his left along the outskirts of Eigenbilzen and harass the approaching dragoons. The lessening of the bombardment on his left centre also allowed von Hasselblut to bring his guns back up onto the causeway in support of the infantry of the 3^rd Brigade.
The re-appearance of the guns was the signal for the French Horse Artillery to unlimber one section on each flank and open fire, while the second section continued the advance. In this manner, the French artillery alternated fire and movement by section, keep the causeway under fire from 3 guns at all times. The artillery of ONW on the causeway consisted of 2 8 pdrs and 1 6 in How to the left of Eigenbilzen and 3 8 pdrs and 1 6 in How between Hoelbeek and Eigenbilzen. In addition, the Horse artillery Howitzer Battery now came into action to the rear of Eigenbilzen, concentrating its fire on the two regiments of dragoons. Its first salvo was on target, and the surprise and casualties thus caused, added to the casualties suffered from the rifle fire of the Garde Schutzen Bataillon scattered the leading squadron of 14^th Dragoons, and caused the remainder of the brigade to retire some 400 yards in order to reform.
Simultaneously, the guns on the causeway took their toll on the approaching columns, which nevertheless continued their advance, despite suffering casualties from canister as the range lessened. When the columns were less than one musket shot distant, the order was given for IRs 3 and 4 to stand up and open fire. Unfortunately, with the exception of the volly fired by I/IR 4, the musketry was ineffective, and with a great shout of 'Vive l'Empereur!' the approaching columns levelled their bayonets and charged. The spectacle was too much for the raw troops of III/IR 3 on the left of the ONW line and they broke, routing back past the flank of the Heavy Cavalry. Their panic infected the remaining two bataillons of IR 3 who retired in some disorder, masking the front of the Cavalry. The exultant French infantry poured across the causeway, threatening the flank of IR 4, whose Commanding Officer countered the threat by having III/IR 4 refuse their left in order to face this threat.
Von Hasselblut in person rode to his left and after some minutes succeeded in rallying about half of IR 3, a task made more difficult by the activities of the Tirailleurs of the two Legere regiments who had been swept through the gap. The Commanding Officer of the French 107^th de Ligne kept his head and detailed the Sapeurs of his regiment to spike the guns abandoned by the ONW gunners who had been swept away by the panicking IR 3.
In order to restore the situation, Gen der Brigade Marks, commanding the 1^st (Guards) Brigade, keeping his two regiments in column of division at quarter distance, advanced on the disorganised French 71^st de Ligne, who were also taking fire from III/IR 4 and were being threatened by the approach of the Heavy Cavalry brigade. Rather than submit to such an unequal contest, the CO of 71^st de Ligne gave the order to withdraw. This withdrawal, under fire, must excite the admiration of even the most hardened Francophobe. As each battalion withdrew, it was covered by the fire of the other two, and by the fire of the Tirailleurs of the Legere Regiments, which fully occupied the attention of I and II/IR 4.
The Sapeurs of 71^st de Ligne had by this time disabled 2 of the 8 pdrs and were attempting to prolonge the remaining guns away. They had succeeded in displacing these guns when a bayonet charge by the Grenadier Coy of II/IR 4 discouraged their attempts.
As the 71^st de Ligne made its withdrawal, it was shielded by the battalions of the 107^th, who formed a three deep firing line and commenced a steady fire at a range of no more than 70 yards. All three battalions of IR 4 now formed a firing line to the front and exchanged a number of volleys with 71st de Ligne, both sides taking heavy casualties from the other's musketry. At this point, the Heavy Cavalry, advancing at a good round trot, poured over the causeway to the left of IR 4 and threatened to charge home on the French firing line. Lacking the support of his dragoons, now some 500 yards to his left rear, the French brigade commander gave the order to form square and retire. These orders were carried out in exemplary fashion, never giving the ONW Reiter Regiments an opportunity to charge home. The withdrawal of the squares was covered by the accompanying horse artillery which caused some casulaties to the Heavy Cavalry, while once the French infantry drew clear of the ONW line, the Field Battery to the rear re-opened its fire on the causeway.
Retiring IR 4, the Guards Brigade and the Heavy Cavalry back into cover, Gen der brigade Marks called for volunteers to recover the displaced guns from the foot of the causeway, where they had been abandoned by the Sapeurs of the 107^th de Ligne. The spiked guns were examined, and it was realised that an extended period of time would be required before they were fit for service once more. Of the guns recovered from the causeway, 1 had had its wheels wrecked, while an attempt had been made to set fire to the carriage of the other. Accordingly Feldartillerie Kompagnie Nr 3 was withdrawn and replaced by Feldartilleie Kompagnie Nr 1.
Then followed a pause, while both armies took stock of the position and reorganised. On the French side, recriminations were levelled against the Brigadier commanding 40^th Cavalry Brigade, who in defense protested that men could be compelled to advance against shell-fire, but not horses, and countered with the accusation that had the infantry waited until he had re-formed his brigade, the battle could have been won by now!
Von Hasselblut was disappointed that IR Nr 3 had broken so quickly and so comprehensively, but decided that recriminations at this point were useless. Neverthe less, he kept IR Nr 3 in the second line, their place in the front line being taken by the Garde Grenadier Regiment. Von Hasselblut's infantry reserve now consisted of the Garde Regimet zu Fusse, III/PR1 and the converged Bataillon of Feldjaeger. To allow the Heavy Cavalry Brigade time to reorganise he moved them to the rear, replacing them with the Garde Uhlan Squadron and Uhlan Regiment Nr 1.
de Picardie was, on the whole, satisfied with the results so far obtained. By feinting at von Hasselblut's left, he hoped he had given his old enemy grounds for fearing for his line of communication, and although particularly the 71^st de Ligne had sustained casualties, their morale, as evinced by their fighting withdrawal had not suffered.
von Hasselblut was also reasonably happy with the result of the first clash of arms. A brigade attack had been halted in its tracks and the French dragoons had showed definite signs of windiness. True, IR 3 had given way, and its third battalion had suffered from French musketry, but the majority of the survivors had been rounded up and the regiment was in the process of re-forming. The loss of a battery of guns was more serious, but sufficient gunners had survived to draw the 18 pdrs from the artillery park. A shortage of gunners, could be made up with volunteers from Pionier Regt Nr 1 to do the lifting and carrying.
In the meantime, the Pioniers in Eigenbilzen had successfully battled the flames, and had even prevented them from reaching the church, where on his own initiative, the CO of I/PR 1 had posted a lookout.
From this vantage point, the lookout was able to see both French field batteries deploying opposite Eigenbilzen, while the two Horse Batteries moved one to each flank. Behind the field batteries the whole of the French infantry could be seen forming up in column of divisions in a two regiment wide and two regiment deep mass, screened by the four Legere battalions plus the voltigeur companies of the Battalions de Ligne. To their left, the two regiments of dragoons could be seen forming up in two ranks, one regiment in front of the other.
von Hasselblut took advantage of this lull to replenish ammunition and move the now manned 18 pdrs forward to the causeway to the left of Eigenbilzen, to join the Horse Artillery howitzer battery already deployed in that area.
Once the French infantry had completed their deployment, they were seen to sit on their packs in the middle of an area of beet fields, while the French Field Batteries recommenced their bombardment. The ONW gunners replied to this canonade, the Field Batteries concentrating their aim of the French infantry while the howitzers and 18 pdrs turned to the task of counter battery fire. It is difficult to say who was the most surprised at the reults of the heavy guns' efforts. The howitzers successfully bracketed the French gun positions and their third salvo delivered a hurricane of 6” shells on the French gunners, and as the smoke cleared it was seen that no less than three French artillery pieces had been dismounted. The 18 pdrs with their makeshift detachment were slower into action, but disturbances amongst the French gunners and limbers testified to the effect of their fire.
It is possible that the presence of such heavy metal had not been foreseen by de Picardie, and as a second salvo of shells burst on the French gun position, a burst of activity was seen amongst the French infantry, as they rose to their feet, dressed their ranks and began to advance.
The movement of the French infantry was the signal for every ONW gun that could bear to open a deliberate fire on the column. Under fire from 3 batteries of 8 pdrs (Feldartillerie Kompagnies 1 and 2, Reitendeartillerie Kompagnie Nr 1, the Howitzer battery and the 18 pdrs) the French Infantry took horrific casualties, the fire of the 18 pdrs ploughing through the whole depth of the formation. The French field batteries attempted to reply to this storm of shot and shell, but as their own infantry advanced the French batteries were masked. It appears that casualties to the limber teams had severely affected their mobility, and a period of reorganisation was necessary (bringing caisson teams forward to move the guns) before they could move. The two horse artillery batteries, followed their normal practice of moving by half-batteries, but their fire was not sufficient to materially affect the ONW gunners' performance.
von Hasselblut ordered forward the Garde Shutzen and Jaeger Bn Nr 1 together with the fusilier companies of Irs 1, 2 and 4. This mass of skirmishers effectively neutralised the French Lehgere Regiments' task of harassing the defending line, and a spiteful skirmishing fire broke out between the two opposing light infantry screens. The presence of eight rifle armed companies came as a shock to the French Light Infantry and took a heavy toll of officers and NCOs, despite being outranged by these weapons and with control breaking down, the Legere persisted in their efforts to close with the defending line.
In an effort to disrupt the ONW skirmishers, the Dragoons of 40^th Cavalry Brigade broke into a rapid trot, with the evident intent of clearing away the Jaegers on the right of the screen. Their movement was seen by von Hasselblut, who ordered Uhlan Regt Nr 1, reinforced by the Garde Uhlan Squadron to move to their right and then advance across the causeway to counter the French cavalry.
The presence of the dragoons had caused the Jaegers and light companies of IR 1 & 2 to form rally squares, which offered ideal targets to the French skirmishers, and although only pinned in square for a short period of time, the ONW light troops were subjected to a gruelling fire and sustained a number of casualties.
Unfortunately, the advance of the dragoons had masked the left flank supporting Horse Artillery Battery, who were thus unable to fire on the tempting target of the rally squares. The counter attack by the Uhlans was impeccably timed, and they swept over the causeway in column of squadrons. As they crossed the causeway the leading squadron inclined to its right, the following squadrons followed suit and once the entire unit was clear of the causeway, a left incline brought them into echelon. The five squadrons increased pace, hitting the dragoons half in flank as they frantically tried to reform and face the threat. The area to the south west of Eigenbilzen was a swirl of furiously hacking and thrusting horsemen. However, the impact of successive squadrons was too much for the dragoons, and after suffering considerable casualties both regiments broke and routed, pursued enthusiastically by the jubilant Uhlans.
Just as the dragoons broke, a galloper from Gen der Brigade von Hartmann arrived at von Hasselblut's position to inform him that more French troops had been sighted to the west of the woods north of Bilzen, and that the LDR Brigades were keeping this new enemy force under observation.
The stripping away of the flank guard of dragoons had enabled the left flank Horse Artillery Battery to open a most destructive canister fire on the rally square of Jaeger Bn Nr 1, which suffered more casualties as they redployed into the skirmish chain. Galled by this fire, they worked their way forward to within effective range, and a few minutes of rifle fire effectively silenced the guns. The Jaegers' impetuosity had, however, isolated them and they became the object of attention of six or seven companies of Voltigeurs and Tirailleurs. The Jaegers were in grave danger of being destroyed where they stood, so von Hasselblut, although concerned with the news from his right rear, ordered the Jaeger zu Pferde to “Clear away those damned tirailleurs”. Although not primarily trained as line cavalry, the Jaeger zu Pferde responded magnificently and launched themselves like a thunder-bolt into the French skirmish screen, sabreing the unfortunate light infantry to both left and right.
In the meantime, the French Infantry had closed to within cannister range, the fire of the 18 pdrs and the howitzers was particularly effective, great gaps being torn in the leading battalions of 31^st and 48^th de Ligne. Furthemore, the presence of the Jaeger zu Pferde to their left caused both these regiments to form battalion squares, in which formation they attracted not only the fire of the artillery to their front, but also of the remnants of Jaeger Bn Nr 1 and of the Garde Schutzen.
The halt necessary for these regiments to make their formation change dislocated the attack, leaving the 71^st and 107^th de Ligne unsupported. Von Hasselblut, desperately aware of the threat to his right rear decided to finish the business and ordered the Heavy Cavalry Brigade to charge these two regiments. Such a move required that the Reiter Regimente cross the front of the French right hand Horse Artillery battery at close range, but nevertheless the order was given and acknowledged. The Reiter moved off at a slow trot, until they crossed the causeway when they accelerated and struck the flank of the 71^st de Ligne. Despite suffering heavy casualties from two salvos of canister, which almost wiped out out the left hand squadron of each regiment, they broke into the unfortunate French infantry while the latter were in the process of forming square.
As the Reiter Regiments struck, von Hasselblut ordered a general advance, his infantry stood up and advanced in line, with 2^nd Infantry Brigade on the right, 1^st Infantry Brigade on the left, and 3^rd Infantry brigade in support. The line battalions gathered up their skirmishers as they moved forwards. The confused nature of the skirmishers' fire fight had been such that the fusiliers attached attached themselves to whichever battalion they found nearest.
Despite a keeping up a brisk close-range firefight, the losses already sustained and the presence of hostile cavalry to their flanks unnerved the Ligne Regiments, and they were seen to be wavering. A deep throated shout and the sight of the ONW bayonets coming to the charge were sufficient. The French infantry broke. In an instant, the plough was covered with a mass of fugitives, discarding shakos, packs and weapons as they fled. The only evidence of their presence were the dead and wounded scattered across the field, and six abandoned guns sitting forlonly in the plough.
Adding to the French discomforure the fugitives collided with the returning Uhlans, who inflicted even greater casualties, and took a number of prisoners, including Gen de Division Jean-Luc de Picardie!
von Hasselblut, still worrying about his right rear allowed his tired troops no respite, but by personal example (including the flat of his sabre) he cursed and damned his men back into some sort of order. Leaving the Feldjaeger battalion to secure the field, he formed up his brigades and headed north.
While he was en-route, the two French Light Cavalry brigades appeared to the East of the woods and advanced to take von Hasselblut in the rear. The French were countered by the Light Dragoons of 2^nd and 3^rd Cavalry Brigades and a grand melee took place just to the North of Hoelbeek. This melee was inconclusive, and both sides withdrew to take stock. The appearance of the Uhlans and the Reiter Regiments was enough to discourage the French Cavalry commanders, unaware of the exertions these three regimetns had already undergone. The Light Dragoons, despite their bravery had suffered heavy casualties as they collided with their vastly more experienced enemy, and were temporarily unfit for any further service.
The appearance of von Hasselblut's main force convinced Gen de Division Cleusot that de Picardie's plans had gone wrong. With his cavalry screen now heavily outnumbered and with only twelve battalions to face the entire ONW corps he decided that discretion was the better part of valour and issued orders for his command to fall back towards Leuven while he tried to find out what had happened to the rest of de Picardie's command.
The army of ONW was in no condition to launch a determined pursuit, and von Hasselblut heaved a sigh of relief as his foe withdrew. Sending the Uhlans forward in a screen, he ordered that they should shadow the French until nightfall, now only some four or five hours away.
The ONW command now turned its collective attention to the ordering of the field. There was little rest that night as the wounded were collected, injured animals put out of their misery, and equipment, including 14 French guns collected.
von Hasselblut commandeered the churches in Bilzen, Hoelbeek and Eigbilzen as field hospitals, where to give all credit, the wounded Frenchmen were treated alongside his own casualties. The following morning saw the excavation of mass graves for the dead.
Although aware of the need for speed, the army was in no condition to move until early morning on the 18^th June, when the distant rumble of gunfire to the South bore witness to great events in the offing.

Lessons learned:

The game was played on a 7' x 9 ' table. The long movement rates for BAR certainly speed up a battle! Musketry and particularly canister fire are murderous at short range. This may have been a reflection of the more or less consistent rolling of 4s, 5s and 6s and the pretty dismal saving throws - but more experimentation must take place before I adjust any factors. The ability of cavalry to accelerate on succeeding turns was very satisfying, and allowed the Uhlans in particular to achieve charge speed during their impact move!
Did the game suffer from smaller battalions than BAR recommends? No... I think not, although future French battalions will have to be at least 48 figures to allow for a pleasing deployment in three ranks. This does not affect the ONW army, as due to their long association with the British Army, they have adopted a two-rank firing line. However, a 24 figure frontage (at 15mm per figure) is a very satisfying sight.

Herr Erich von Smallhausen 1677-1751

2008-06-22T09:15:00.003+01:00

Erich von Smallhausen is a short, plump individual, who habitually wears spectacles. He was born to a military family in the service of Schaumberg-Lippe. As were his brothers, he was destined for a military career, but his marked short-sightedness proved him ineligible for service - without his glasses he can not make out a face from more than a few yards distance.

Unable to participate in the 'healthy' pursuits of boyhood, he took refuge in his father's library, where he discovered the pleasures of the classics. With the aid of a dictionary and basic grammar book he taught himself first Latin, and eventually Greek, although due to the self-taught nature of his studies his pronunciation of both these languages is abysmal.

Von Smallhausen entered the service of the Margraf of Ober Nord Westfalen at the age of eighteen, where his bookish interests led him to the Sekretariat. His aptitude for letters brought him to the notice of his superiors, and in a short while he was promoted to the role of Herr Flick's assistant.

Von smallhausen has a low opinion of Flick's morals, manners and methods, however he is intelligent enough not to allow his disdain for his superior to show, and is honest enough to recognise that not only are Flick's methods effective, but also that Flick is devoted to the interests of the Margraf and of the state.

Von Smallhausen's loyalties are somewhat more complex. He despises Flick, whom he regards as a vicious bully. but loyally supports him as his superior, while if not actively fearing him, is very aware of Flick's propensity to ruthless violence. While he is in the employ of the Margraf he will remain totally faithful to his office, but should his employment change, then so will his loyalties. Given his present condition he will dutifully carry out any and all orders for the good of the state.

Despite his physical appearance and myopia, von Smallhausen is remarkably strong, and under Flick's tutelage has developed into a more than competent swordsman. His native intelligence has been honed by exposure to the dirtier side of domestic and international politics, and while he controls a small group of agents and enforcers on the behalf of Flick, he also controls a smaller, more secretive group, which so far has escaped Flick's notice. To what end he maintains this latter group is not yet known, yet it is almost certain that he has planned his organisation for his own benefit.

So little time. so much to do...

2008-04-20T08:23:00.002+01:00

Do not think I have been neglecting this little corner of my blog-world - although I have! I have a tremendous amount of things to do on my list. I have the ONW Napoleonic Amy to re-paint - and I seemed to have stalled on that, but half a battalion (or a battery of artillery) a day seems to be the current rate. My Other Napoleonic Army (Brunswickers doing duty as Brunswickers) having been in storage for years are also in need of a repaint, plus the replacement of a few casualties, I have two Coys of Mindens that are half-complete (One to be finished today!), and I am awaiting a battalion of RSM Frenchers to be used as Hannunterian Foot/Guards (I haven't decided until I see the figures!). On top of all that I have been designing colours, standards and guidons and drafting Regulations for the Hannunterian Army (see http://hannunter.blogspot.com/). And, of course, developing the eighteenth-century ONW storyline at Schloss Neuhaus!

All this on top of domestic chores (like plastering walls, sanding new plaster, painting said plaster, cooking dinners, washing up, etc, etc) and attending an IT Training Course, as well as putting my Mother's house up for sale!

I am still waiting to get my hands on a digital camera, but when I do, then photos will surely appear. Until then, I can only crave your patience.

Tricornes

2008-04-07T18:54:00.001+01:00

They have arrived - all 12 of them! OK, it's only a small beginning, but mighty oaks...

Uniforms 1813-1815

2008-04-06T19:48:00.003+01:00

It appears that due to the efforts of one of our lower-ranking archivists that an old document has re-surfaced in the munuments room. From what can be deciphered - sadly the document is very greasy and smells strongly of vinegar and fish - that at the time of the re-building of the army for the befreiungskrieg, the Margravate was sorely short of funds, and applied to the Government of Great Britain for aid.
Some of this aid, it appears, was in the form of recently superseded items of uniform apparel, including a number of Light Dragoon helmets, replaced in the British army by shakos. It seems that sufficient number of these helmets were received to allow them to be issued to all four regiments of Leichte Dragoner and to the Reitendeartillerie truppen.
These helmets were worn apparently until the end of the period of the Occupation of France. So far, it has not been possible to discover exactly when they were replaced in our own army.

Dark Deeds

2008-04-03T12:27:00.005+01:00

It seems that Herr Flick's successors have been rather busy. They have somehow or other gained an entree into the Court of the Elector of Hannunter... see:

http://hannunter.blogspot.com/

Tricornes

2008-03-31T22:21:00.002+01:00

Well, I have finally made a decision and having taken a deep breath and held my nose I have taken the plunge and ordered my first tricorne-wearing figures. I think it'll take a while for them to reach me, and for me to paint them, but they will make their appearance in the not-too-distant future. I have deliberately not said which manufacturer and which army, I'll let you guys try to guess.

Herr Otto Flick, 1670(?) - 1732

2008-03-27T12:11:00.004Z

Herr Otto Flick is a mystery man. Nothing is known of his origins or of his early years. He arrived at Schloss Neuhaus in 1692 and obtained a junior post in the Margraf's Secretariat. Promotion was swift, due in no small part to a spate of unfortunate accidents, untreatable illnesses and early retirements on health grounds among his superiors. By 1698 Herr Flick was the Chief Secretary and de facto Chancellor cum First Minister of State. He continues to maintain his privacy, and enquiries pertaining to his personal life are met with an icy stare and silence.

Whatever his origins, Herr Flick proved to be fanatically loyal to the ruling house. He is of an undoubtedly high level of intelligence, though perhaps not quite as clever as he thinks he is. He delights in formulating convoluted schemes in order to obtain his ends, and is not particularly scrupulous as to the methods he employs to achieve his aim.

He is inclined to be arrogant, and in the words of his assistant, Herr Erich von Smallhausen, "is a vicious, rotten bully". He cultivates an air of icy detachment, but is constantly aware of circumstances in Ober Nord Westfalen and to a lesser extent of occurrences in Hannunter and the Vikmark, It is thought that he manages a network of intelligence agents both within and outside the borders of Ober Nord Westfalen, although he quite calmly denies this, staring down any questioner with his unsettling pale eyes. The lack of any funds earmarked for intelligence purposes make this allegation difficult to either prove or disprove.

Flick habitually dresses in black, with the affectation of black-edged lace at collar and cuffs. His most noticeable features are his heavy limp - he walks with a cane - and the livid scar that runs from the top of his left ear to the corner of his mouth. He neither drinks, smokes or gambles, but despite his aloofness he is a man of strong passions and voracious appetite.

Flick is utterly ruthless, using, abusing and discarding others as he sees fit. It was reported by a former assistant (now deceased) that Flick shows affection only for his pedigree long-haired cat, an animal which he is reputed to pamper outrageously and spend hours grooming.

Although Flick may, at times, seem to be a caricature, be warned. He is a very dangerous individual.

Generalmajor Reheinhardt von Hasselblut, 1755 - Date

2008-03-26T15:19:00.006Z

Von Hasselblut was born in 1755 to an impoverished family with minor links to the aristocracy. His family influence was sufficient to have him appointed as a Fahnenjunker to IR Nr 4 in 1772. Von Hasselblut's probationary period was extended due to some minor acts of indiscretion, but he was finally commissioned as Leutnant in 1776, just in time to accompany his regiment to North America, where it formed part of the contract army hired by George III of Great Britain. IR Nr 4 although involved in many minor actions never saw a pitched battle in North America, following one such at Cowper's Crossing (October 1777), Hasselblut received a battlefield promotion to Oberleutnant, filling the vacancy left by the death of his Company Commander. Von Hasselblut received further promotion to Hauptman in 1784 on his return to ONW.

His experiences in North America seem to have matured von Hasselblut, and on his return home he applied himself to his military duties and studies. He was one of the leading agitators for military reform, indeed his oft-spoken views came close to ending his military career. Among the reforms von Hasselblut advocated was a simplification of the military uniform, the creation of a military train of artillery drivers and the establishment of a regular force of rifle-armed Jaeger.
While not claiming that von Hasselblut's voice was instrumental in the effecting of these reforms, they were all carried out by the time that the French Revolution dragged Ober Nord Westfalen into a European war.

Despite his preoccupation with matters military von Hasselblut found time to woo and marry Fraulein Gerda von Wacholz, the daughter of a major in the service of the Duke of Brunswick.
Following his marriage, von Hasselblut was promoted to Major in 1790, seeing service in the campaigns of Valmy and The Vosges. Von Hasselblut became an Oberstleutnant in 1796, taking command of II/IR Nr 4. In 1799 promotion to the rank of Oberst and the command of IR No 2 came to von Hasselblut, and finally in 1803 he was promoted to the rank of Generalmajor commanding the 1st Infantry Brigade of IRs 1 and 2.

War came again in 1806 when the ONW army joined forces with those of its historical allies, Brunswick and Prussia, Von Hasselblut participated in the disastrous campaign of that year, achieving possibly his finest hour at Jena, where the ONW constituted the left-flank guard. As the Prussian army collapsed, von Hasselblut had the Drum Major of IR Nr 4 assemble all the drummers he could find, and amidst the smoke, confusion and despair of a battle lost, had the drummers beat endless repetitions of the "Rally". The survivors of ONW's shattered regiments rallied on IR 4, and under von Hasselblut's determined leadership, made a fighting withdrawal clear of the battlefield. For this feat, von Hasselblut was made a Companion of the Order of the Rose, Drum Major Wessler was commissioned Leutnant and IR 4 was presented with a set of silver drums which are still in use today.

As a result of this campaign, ONW was obliged to join the Confederation of the Rhine. Von Hasselblut refused to serve, and was so placed on the half-pay list. In 1808 von Hasselblut left ONW and with just over two hundred 'refugees' (mostly from IR 4), made his way to Austria, where he took service with the Duke of Brunswick's Black Horde.

Von Hasselblut stayed with Brunswick throughout the campaign of 1809, and during the Duke's fighting retreat to the North German coast, was placed in command of the rear guard, where once again his gritty determination proved of invaluable service. Von Hasselblut took ship to England, where he left the Duke's service and was commissioned into the KGL. He spent the next years until 1814 serving as a Colonel of Infantry in the Peninsula. On Napoleon's abdication he returned home, where he took a leading role in not only re-building the army of ONW, but also in keeping it out of Prussia's clutches.

In 1815, ONW despatched almost its entire army, under the command of von Hasselblut, to join Wellington in Belgium. Unfortunately en-route it collided with a French Corps under the command of General de Division Jean-Luc Picard. In a bitterly fought encounter at Hasselt, just North of Maastricht, von Hasselblut defeated Picard, but his force had taken heavy casualties and was in no fit state to continue operations until it had reorganised. Reorganisation completed. von Hasselblut reached Wellington on the 20th June 1815, where his advance guard was fired upon by nervous British troops, who took the ONW uniforms for those of the French!

ONW formed part of the army of occupation of France until January 1817 when it returned home. Von Hasselblut retired to his country home and remains there with his wife and family.

Throughout his career, von Hasselblut took a keen interest in his soldiers' welfare, ensuring, pace the vagaries of the commissariat system, that their rations were sufficient and on time. He identified strongly with them and always used 'we' and 'us' when addressing them (rather than 'you fellows' and 'I'. He retained a strong interest in IR Nr 4, and once he had reached the rank of General Officer, they quickly became his 'go to' regiment.

Whew!

2008-03-26T14:53:00.002Z

Well, that just abouts sums up the uniforms and Colours of the combat arms of Ober Nord Westfalen's army. Your generous feedback has been very much appreciated. I now intend to go on and look at some of the eighteenth and nineteenth century personalities of ONW!

Light Dragoon Guidons 1743-1815

2008-03-26T10:54:00.010Z

LDRs 1, 2 3 & 4

(Once again thanks to the staff at "Not By Appointment" for their work in searching through the archives).

Cavalry Standards 1704 -1815

2008-03-25T10:39:00.007Z

Standards of RR Nr 1 & 2

Garde Regiment zu Fuss

2008-03-25T07:51:00.002Z

As previously stated the GRzF was raised as a single bataillon of four Kompagnieren. Unlike the line regiments however, the Kompagnieren were not numbered, but were always known by their Captain's names, and each company colour bore the badge of its captain. When the regiment was expanded, first to two, and later to three bataillons the custom continued. After the experience of fighting alongside the British Army, Albrecht decided that each bataillon, including the Garde, should carry a pair of colours, The Margrafenfahne, which consisted of the national flag together with such devices as were proper for the regiment and a bataillonsfahne in the facing colour of the Regiment, again augumented with the devices appropriate to the regiment.
For GRzF the naming and placing of these colours were reversed. With the Margrafenfahnen having a field of crimson (regimental facings) and the bataillonsfahnen being the national flag. The raising of additional bataillons of the Garde necessitated the forming of new Kompagnieren and the allocation of badges. In compliment to his allies, Margraf Albrecht I nominated them the position of honorary captains in the GRzF. For example the senior Kompagnie of the 2nd bataillon had as its honorary captain the Duke of Braunschweig, and th Kompagnie badge was the Braunschweig Horse and Motto "Nunquam Retrorsum", the Kompagnie being known as Garde zu Fuss Kompagnie Herzog von Braunschweig (The Duke of Brunswick's Company of Foot Guards).
When the decision was taken to change the allocaion of colours, the badge of the senior kompagnie of each bataillon was adopted as the badge to be borne on the Margfenfahne. The remaining three kompagnie badges were to be borne, in rotation, on the Bataillonsfahnen of each bataillon. Fahnen were only replaced when they became too badly damaged to repair. Replacement colours bore the crown of the Margraf during whose reign they were issued, so that by 1790 while the Margrafenfahnen bore the crown of Albrecht I, the bataillonsfahnen bore the crown of Karl-Friederich II.

Garde zu Fuss Regimental Colours 1790

2008-03-24T20:14:00.007Z

Garde ze Fuss Regimental Colours 1704

2008-03-24T16:40:00.005Z

When the Garde was raised, it was raised as a single bataillon and did not carry bataillon colours. Instead, as had been the custom in the seventeenth century each of the four Kompagniern carried its own colour:

Infantry Regimental Colours 1790

2008-03-22T15:11:00.016Z

Uniforms 1740-1762 - Part III

2008-03-19T21:13:00.005Z

Reitern LDRs 3 & 4

2008-03-19T21:08:00.004Z

Reitern, LDRs 1 & 2

Uniforms 1740 - 1762 - Part III

2008-03-17T22:59:00.005Z

Reiterregiment Nr 1

Reiterregiment Nr 2

Drgonerregiment Nr 1

Translated Documents

2008-03-16T17:49:00.003Z

Those of you who have visited Schloss Neuhaus will have seen that the extracts from the Margraf's council are presented in both English and (I hope) German. The thing is, my German is no longer as good as it used to be, therefore the translation is time consuming, and frankly I am not altogether sure that it is good, accurate German. I am inclined to abandon the idea of translations, although I feel that it helps me get into the right frame of mind. So, what do you think - stay with the translation or is the German text just a distraction? Let me know, pleasse.

Uniforms 1762 - Fusilier IR Nr 3

2008-03-15T23:33:00.004Z

Uniforms 1740-1762 - Part II

2008-03-15T19:19:00.005Z

Kanonier, Feldartillerie Bataillon

Uniforms 1740-1762 - Part I

2008-03-15T17:39:00.003Z

From R to L: Musketier IR 1, Grenadier IR 2, Fusilier IR 3

The publication of these uniforms is due in no small part to the efforts of the archivists at "Not By Appointment", whose help is gratefully acknowledged.

Taste and Flavour

2008-03-15T12:46:00.002Z

Because this blog has turned more technical than I had at first thought, I have opened a second blog at Schloss Neuhaus (see the list of 18th Century links), where you will find a more 'period' outlook on events in ONW.

Uniforms 1807 - Pt II

2008-03-14T22:08:00.003Z

1. Grenadier, Garde Regiment zu Fuss
2. Rittermeister, RR 1

Infantry Regimental Colours 1704 - Part II

2008-03-14T07:16:00.003Z

The colours illustrated belong to the 1st Battalions of the then three line regiments. The 2nd Battalions' colours were of the same pattern, but with the partition of the field reversed. At this time, only one colour was carried by each line battalion.
The colours of the Garde regiment were distinctive and followed a different pattern - which shall be shown later.

Infantry Regimental Colours 1704

2008-03-13T20:27:00.013Z

These are the first patten Infantry Regiment colours, authorised on the formation of the standing army.

IR 1

IR 2

IR 3

Family

2008-03-09T09:28:00.008Z

The Schwerin family have held the title of Margraf von Ober Nord Westfalen, since the 13th Century, or so they claim.

The family motto is "Virtute et Armis" - "By Virtue and Arms" and is borne as a label on all military badges, colours, standards and guidons together with the family achievement of arms on all diplomatic communications.

The ancestral seat, "der Alte Schloss", was destroyed by fire in 1507, and was replaced by "Schloss Neuhaus", completed in 1519 and modernised by succeeding Margrafen throughout the last three hundred years.

Some Interesting snippets:

Albrecht I never expected to assume the title, the heir apparent was his cousin Josef-Wilhelm. Unfortunately Josef-Wilhelm was killed in a hunting accident. An extensive enquiry was made into who fired the fatal shot, but no conclusive proof was ever found. However, suspicion fell on one Walther von Tyrol, from the Swiss Cantons, but he left for his native land before he could be examined.

Albrecht at this time, was completing his education at the University of Cambridge in England, where he became friendly with the young Viscount Desford, heir to the Earldom of St Erth in Lincolnshire. During his visits to the Eardom, Albrecht met Desford's younger sister Arabella, and, it being thought a splendid match by both families, they married in 1681. Although the marriage was happy, there was no sign of an heir for nearly ten years when sadly, in 1690, the Margrafin Arabella miscarried her first pregnancy and then succumbed to "a putrefaction of the womb".

Albrecht was devastated, and even after the year of mourning was ended reacted very badly to any suggestion that he might remarry. This state of affairs continued until his 43rd year, when on a state visit to Prague, he was captivated by the much younger Countess Katerina Proskova. His proposal of marriage was accepted, and despite concerns over the Countess' catholicism, the wedding took place in January 1700. The Landrat (Council) of ONW, were very concerned over the religious aspects, as they feared an eruption of "Romish superstition" and a return to heretic burning, trial by ordeal and other horrors that they imagined.

Their fears were groundless, the young Margrafin announced her rejection of Rome and wholeheartedly embraced Lutheranism.

There can be no doubt that the couple were very happy, the Margrafin over the years, presented Albrecht with no less than 14 children - alas all but one were girls! However, in the overall scheme of things, Albrecht was not displeased, as a plethora of young women, all blessed with their mother's beauty enabled him to negotiate some very favourable alliances cemented by marriage!

Line of Succession

2008-03-07T19:34:00.006Z

Unfortunately, earlier records were lost in the Great Fire of Der Alte Schloss in 1507, however the family claims to have held the title since the 13th Century, also claiming that the lost records prove descent from one of Charlemagne's Paladins. Whether the reader prefers to believe or disbelieve this claim is entirely up to the individual, however doubts aired as to the veracity of the family's claim could lead to a long walk and a short drop.

Ferdinand-Josef I, ???
Karl-Heinz, b?, a?, d1516
Wilhelm-Friederich, b1480?, a1516, d1568
Ferdinand-Josef II, b1518, a1568, d1575
Franz-Wilhelm, b1549, a1575, d1607
Karl-Friederich I, b1578, a1607, d1634 (KIA Nordlingen)
Johannes I, b1603, a1634, d1700
Albrecht I, b1657, a1700, d1730 (m Countess Katerina Proskova of Prague 1700)
Johannes II, b1701, a1730, d1763
Karl Friederich II, b1729, a1763, d1777
Ferdinand Josef III, b1756, a1777, d1800
Albrecht II, b1778, a1800

Uniforms 1807-1813

2008-03-06T22:04:00.010Z

Uniforms 1807 - 1813

1 2 3 4

1. Musketier, IR 4, Winter Parade Dress

2. Hauptfeldwebel Reitendeartillerie, Winter Parade Dress

3. Reiter, LDR Nr 1, Parade Dress

4. Obergefreiter der Grenadieren, IR 1, Summer Parade Dress

After the army was almost totally destroyed at Jena, the Margrave Albrecht II undertook a complete modernisation of organisation, drill, tactics and uniform.

The uniform adopted was fairly heavily influenced by the French uniform, but retained its traditional colours and its own distinctive elements, such as Polish Cuffs and the retention of the mourning braid on Infantry and Artillery coatees.
The basic line infantry uniform was a Prussian Dragoon Blue short-tailed coatee, worn with grey overalls (buff breeches with black gaiters were envisaged for Winter Full-Dress with white gaiters substituted for Summer Full-Dress). The coatee of the Infantry and artillery bore the black mourning braid adopted in 1761 in memory of the Margravin Katerina. White cross-belts supported cartridge pouch and bayonet, a black knapsack with rolled blanket was worn on the back. Grenadiers wore blue tufts on their shakos, Musketiers (Centre Coys) wore white, while Fusiliers (Lt Coy) wore green tufts. Officers and RSMs wore a tall feather plume either in company colours or in scarlet for Bataillon and Regimental staff. Facings wore worn on collar, cuffs, shoulder straps and turnbacks, all piped with the regimental lace, as were the simulated pockets on the coat-tails. Officers' sashes were deep yellow. All cross-belts were white, as were musket slings

Regiment Erherzog Karl-Wilhem, (IR 1) blue facings, gold/yellow lace
Regiment Graf von Stulpnagel, (IR 2) scarlet facings, silver/white lace
Regiment Kaiser Wilhelm (IR 3), buff facings, white/silver lace
Regiment Freiherr Franz von Lippe (IR 4), black facings, gold/yellow lace
Garde Regiment zu Fusse, crimson facings, gold/yellow lace
Schutzen Bataillon – Green coatees, and dark grey breeches worn with black knee gaiters. Facings were black and lace was silver/white. Cross belts and musket slings were black.

Only the Garde wore epaulettes, and these were yellow piped crimson for the ORs and gold for the officers, and Hauptfeldwebeln (Regimental Sergeant Majors).

Both regiments of Ritter wore brass-plated neo-classical helmets with a black woollen crest, a blue single -breasted coatee with plastron lapels (normally buttoned over in campaign dress), buff breeches and black 'butcher' boots. All ranks wore buff gauntlets. Trumpeters wore reversed colours, a white woollen crest and epaulettes in the regimental lace.

Ritter Regiment Erherzogin Anna-Maria Nr 1 – Scarlet facings, gold/yellow buttons and lace.
Ritter Regiment Kronprinz Erwin Nr 2 – Dark blue facings, silver/white buttons and lace.

Both regiments were mounted on black horses, the trumpeters riding greys. Horse furniture for both regiments was similar to that of French Cuirassier). Fleeces were black (white for trumpeters) and shabraques and valises in the facing colour (reversed again for trumpeters).

The Leichte Dragoner Regiments wore a similar coatee to the Ritter Regiments but in dark blue with dark grey overalls. Facings were worn on collar, cuffs, turnbacks and shoulder straps and as a double stripe down the outside of the overall legs. Headgear was a black shako with a dark blue plume worn at the front. Trumpeters did not wear reversed colours, but did wear a large white plume on their shakos. Horse furniture was a black fleece and a dark blue shabraque with a double row of edging in the facing colour.

Leichte Dragoner Regiment von Ahlberg, Nr 1, crimson facings,silver/white lace
Leichte Dragoner Regiment von Mulheim, Nr 2, light blue facings, silver/white lace
Leichte Dragoner Regiment Erherzog Wilhelm-Josef, Nr 3, Buff facings, gold/yellow lace
Leichte Dragoner Regiment Graf Manneheim, Nr 4, White facings, gold/yellow lace.

All ranks rode bay or chestnut horses.

The artillery uniform was dark blue throughout with black facings for the Reitendeartillerie (two troops) and scarlet facings for the Feldartillerie (four companies), both branches wore gold/yellow lace, and all coatees had the traditional mourning braid. Horse gunners had a trumpeter per troop, while the field gunners had a drummer per coy. Bay horses were the preferred colour for artillery gun horses and gunner's mounts.

2008-02-28T19:44:00.003Z

Military Involvement 1700 - 1800

War of the Spanish Succession
War of the Austrian Succession
Seven Years' War
The American Revolution
War Against Revolutionary France

The Margravate of Ober Nord Westfalen - an Historical Overview

2008-02-25T09:50:00.009Z

NB: The Margraftum of Ober Nord Westfalen never existed, except in my imagination! It was created to allow an itinerant wargamer to join in non-historical wargames on the side of whichever army stood most in need of reinforcements. It began as a collection of wargames figures and just sort of grew from there!

In this blog, real events are emphasised in Bold, fictional events are emphasised in Italics.

The Margraftum is a small enclave in North West Germany squeeezed between Hannover, The Netherlands and the North Sea. It came into being as a result of the Peace of Augsberg of 1555. When the pot boiled over in 1618 and the Thirty Years War started, the then Margrave, Karl-Friederich II raised a force of some 4,000 men organised into three regiments of Foote (Pike and Musket armed) six troops of Horse and a company of artillery ( 8 light guns, ranging from robinets to sakers).

Karl-Friederich was a staunch Protestant and supported that cause throughout the war, fighting alongside Christian IV of Denmark, and later with Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden. Karl-Friederich kept the field almost continuously until his death, along with most of his army, at First Nordlingen (1634).

His cause was taken up by his nineteen year old son, Margrave Johannes I, who re-raised the army and doubled its strength. The Margraftum continued to participate in the war until it ended in 1648 with the Treaty of Westphalia.

During this period the portion of the population suitable for military service diminished greatly and in order to maintain the size of his army, Johannes recruited Scottish and English mercenaries, stipulating only that they be physically fit and of the Protestant religion. Many of these mercenaries returned to Britain on the outbreak of the English Civil War in 1642.

The years from 1648 until 1701 saw little military activity on the part of the Margraftum, Johannes being more concerned with rebuilding his land's shattered economy. However, 1655 saw Johannes honouring his alliance with Sweden in the First Northern War (1655-1660). The resoration of the status quo ante-bellum in 1660 by the Treaty of Kardis disgusted Johannes, and he withdrew from active participation in the military/political field, preferring to concentrate on re-building.

Johannes died in 1700, the title passing to his nephew Albrecht I. Albrecht was at first content to continue his uncle's policy of non-involvement, but the outbreak of the War of The Spanish Succession involved a general arming of the German princedoms; Albrecht realised that his uncle's pacifist policy placed the margraftum in danger and raised the first standing army.

This army consisted of The Guards Regiment (1 battalion) and three Regiments of Foot (2 battalions) 2 Regiments of Horse, 1 Regiment of Dragoons, 1 Regiment of Artillery (3 companies of six 6pdr guns) plus a company of engineers and supporting services. Apart from the Regiment Garde zu Fuss, regiments were known by their Colonel's names (Albrecht defrayed the expense of raising these troops by issuing Commissions of Arrays to trusted subordinates and allowing them to become proprieters of the regiments). Acknowledging the margraftum's old links with Sweden, and out of a desire to differentiate his troops from those of Prussia, Albrecht decreed that the uniform coat colour was to be "medium blue" and that breeches, waistcoats and belts were to be buff in colour. Grenadiers and Gunners were to wear caps, while all other troops were to wear a "round hat, well cocked at three points".

Albrecht joined the Empeor's faction in this war, establishing close links with Prussia, alongside whose troops the Margraf''s forces fought. The end of the war by the Treaty of Utrecht (1713), saw Prussia's recognition as a Kingdom who viewed Ober Nord Westfalen and Braunschweig as a useful allies to the west of Hannover.

In 1714 Queen Anne of England died and the English Parliament invited Elector George of Hannover to assume the throne. Albrecht realised that this move gave a previously impoverished Hannover potential access to much greater resources and together with Braunschweig formed a pact of triple alliance with Prussia (The Convention of Bremen 1716).

The corner stone of Albrecht's foreign policy was to prevent encroachment by Hannover, who had already insitigated a series of diplomatic squabbles over the ownership of some small towns and villages on the Margraftum's South Eastern border. Only Albrecht's alliance with Prussia prevented more overt coercive measures on the part of Hannover.