A Foray into Napoleonic Wargaming
92nd Regiment of Foot - Gordon Highlanders
The Gordon Highlanders were originally raised in 1794 by the Duke of Gordon, and were known as the 100th Regiment of Foot. Many of the original recruits were drawn from the Gordon estates. The early recruitment campaign was assisted by the Duke’s wife, who was said to have offered a kiss as an incentive to join her husband’s Regiment.
Renumbered the 92nd regiment in 1798, the Gordon Highlanders saw extensive action during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars – from the Netherlands, Egypt, Denmark and the Peninsular War through to the Battle of Waterloo in June 1815.
There’s a painting called The Gordons and Greys to the Front by Stanley Barkley, which captures an event at Waterloo, where some soldiers from the Highlanders clung to the stirrups of the passing Scots Greys so that they could reach the French troops as the cavalry passed by the regiment to chase down the scattering French. I think this incident seems to encapsulate the fearsome fighting spirit of the Gordon’s very well.
The regiment’s cap badge and motto come from the crest of the Dukes of Gordon, being a stag head surrounded by ivy. The motto ‘Bydand’ is a Scots word meaning ‘Steadfast’
The Gordon's and Greys to the Front
The models are a mix, with the flank companies and command group by Campaign Game Miniatures, and the centre company by Xan. The colours are from GMB Flags.
Finishing the Gordon’s means I’m also done with tartan for a while. Next up will be some more cavalry.
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