Wargame Rules, Ratios, etc


RAISING MINIATURE ARMIES FOR THE LATE 18TH CENTURY

I am very keen to keep my wargame rules as simple as possible, yet capture the character of the 1790s. Morale dominates the games as the opposing sides are very different. Most of the French troops are 'levee' battalions, which I have chosen to base in column as their ability to change formation on a battlefield must have been limited, nor do I believe their volley fire had any great value. Of better quality, able to change formation, will be white-coated regular and blue-coated volunteer battalions, aided by a fair number of skirmishers. The British, Austrian, Dutch and German armies are often outnumbered, but they maintain the discipline and order of typical 18th century armed forces. Interestingly, French revolutionary cavalry have little in common with their later Napoleonic counterparts, the former are few in number, often poorly mounted, and no match for those in the service of the Allies. All figures are 28mm in scale, using a 1=25 ratio.

Followers

Wednesday 16 September 2020

DAMN THE DEFIANT, 1962 MOVIE

A few nights ago I watched this movie once more, and it really is a superb production. Set around the issues that caused the Spithead Mutiny in 1797, it lacks for nothing in its portrayal of a naval action against a French vessel. Starring Alec Guinness, Dirk Bogarde, Anthony Quayle, and many more fine British actors, nothing more needs to be said on that matter. I can confirm that the uniforms are not to be mocked, and particularly nice to see the Corps of Marines with 1796-7 coats, as it would have been far easier to supply them with just Napoleonic outfits from a theatre store. Do make an effort to find and view this film. MGB








2 comments:

  1. I do remember this movie, very good as far as I recall, maybe worth another look.
    Dave.

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    1. I used to have a dvd recorder, and it was shown in 2012. It must have been digitally restored as the film is perfect in colour and detail. I suspect you will also take pleasure in viewing so many familiar faces.
      Michael

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