A Foray into Napoleonic Wargaming
KGL 1st Hussars
Since the King’s German Legion (KGL) represented around 20% of Wellington’s fighting strength, it would be remiss not to include some in my collection. In particular, I wanted some of the KGL light cavalry. Light cavalry were responsible for all of the reconnaissance and outpost duties. The KGL hussars performed outstandingly during the Peninsula campaign, and compared so favourably to the British cavalry, that, when they served together, nearly all of these duties were imposed on the former.
The 1st hussars in particular were well known for their quality in terms of both their effectiveness when undertaking picket work, as well as being a reliable and formidable opponent on the field of battle.
According to English custom, the hussars had no colours. I found different information regarding trouser colours, with some sources stating they should be white, whilst others showing blue with red stripes. I went with the latter as being a bit more interesting to paint.
The models are all by AB Miniatures.
Great stuff! I never used the KGL, I have read that they were more disciplined than their British counterparts and knew when to stop and rally back, unlike say the Grey Scotts.
Also I sent you a private message, but I messed it up ?♂️, and that is typical of me and computers!
It was good to paint something other than a red coat after a few infantry battalions. Although I might get tried of blue soon – some French line infantry will be next for this project.
Still planning on starting Peninsular War French and British. Picked up some samples of 15mm figures and 28mm. Looking at having some KGL Hussars and light infantry after starting to read up on the campaign. Fancy painting up some Brunswickers even though they may not have performed as well as the KGL.
The Brunswickers started the Peninsula campaign as a fairly proficient outfit, but suffered with recruitment to replace losses, partly because the KGL scooped up the majority of German recruits leaving the Brunswickers with a poorer selection. As a result they got split up a bit more into companies, particularly the jaegers, who were used like the 60th Rifles and spread around brigades to help counter the more numerous French skirmishers. The 100 Days is where you see the Brunswickers function as a larger corps. But I’ve also been tempted to include some, although hit two barriers. The first is being… Read more »
Just picked up the Osprey book and will need to check before getting any figures. For Black will probably go with contrast paints.