FIW British Grenadiers, 1756

These Grenadier companies finishes out my FIW project, and they are led by a British officer.  These have being painted as 94th Regiment of Foot (Royal Welsh Volunteers).  Although they were raised for garrison duty my ancestry is partly Welsh, and in my wargame world we need Welsh troops to help protect His Majesty's interest in North America.

History of the unit, compliments of https://www.kronoskaf.com/syw/index.php?title=94th_Foot

The regiment was raised in Wales on January 12 1760 by Colonel Vaughan. The regiment was also known as the "Royal Welsh Volunteers".  (It saw only one recorded action, which prompts my removal of the grenadier companies for other service in my wargame world). During the Seven Years' War, the regiment was under the command of:

• from January 1760: Colonel Vaughan
• from 1760 to 1763: Dundas

The regiment was disbanded in 1763.

Black Seas: Scouting Mission of the Stinging Nat

AAR: its April 1804 the Spanish brig Picadura Nat commanded by Capitán Don Estabon Castanza (Sometime smuggler and pirate) and a French 5th rate frigate, Les Feuilletée ( not seen in photo), commanded by Capitaine Sept Blanc are ordered to make a run out of Cadiz to scout the British Atlantic Fleet position. On their second day out of Cadiz they are intercepted by Captain William Dungeness commanding the 3rd rate frigate HMS Klondike and 2nd Lieutenant Horace Braithweight of the brig HMS Sapphire.

Alas, I only took 1 picture of the entire game. 
Top left, HMS Sapphire, center is the Picadura Nat, lower is the HMS Klondike (not yet with all her sails)

The wind was blowing out of the north making it hard for Castanza and Blanc to beat their way up the coast.  As the day dawned it found the four ships about a mile away from each other, with the British moving in a westerly tact.  Castanza and Blanc had the weather gage and the Picadura Nat came straight for the British at battle sails.  Les Feuilletee took a more westerly angle opening a gap between the two ships.  2nd Lieutenant Braithweight maneuvered the HMS Sapphire to the port side of the Picadura Nat and delivered two well aimed broadsides that caused significant damage to the ship, while the HMS Klondike moved towards the Picadura Nat's starboard side.

Undaunted, the Picadura Nat returned fire causing damage to the HMS Sapphire, but amazingly delivering two well aimed critical shots into the HMS Klondike, inflicting 25% damage to its overall strength of 74.  As the crew of the HMS Klondike cleared away the wreckage of their mast, Captain Dungeness fired both broadsides of his ship.  The Picadura Nat taking minor damage and the Les Feuilletee receiving three critical hits that disabled her ability to make any course change and left her sailing away from the engagement for the remainder of that turn.

Another two turns were taken up with the captains of all ships attempting to gain the weather gage and turn their ships back into the fight.  The Les Feuilletee having to perform a difficult turning maneuver into the wind which had stayed constant from the North.  Unfortunately, the French seamen were unable to demonstrate a mastery of nautical skill to help perform these maneuvers and the French frigate took additional damage as it made it's turns.

While the Les Feuilletee was wallowing in incompetence, Capitán Castanza engaged both of the British vessels alone.  His initial attack on the HMS Sapphire delivered additional critical hits which rendered the the HMS Sapphire out of action and adrift for the remainder of the fight.  His second attack got behind the HMS Klondike and raked the ship at close range.  Captain Dungeness added more sail to the HMS Klondike and pulled away from the Picadura Nat.  With the Spanish ship behind him and the French ship to his north, it looked to everyone that the HMS Klondike had show the white feather and was running.

The Spanish and French immediately changed course to pursue, slowly gaining on the British vessel.  However, this maneuver had only been done to gain sea room and the HMS Klondike changed course, catching the wind and raced back towards the enemy ships, aiming a course between them.  The HMS Klondike fired the port-side guns as she went past the Picadura Nat, missing her, much to Captain Dungeness's disgust.  The HMS Klondike's starboard broadside into the Les Feuilletee inflicted horrible damage with additional critical hits that rendered Les Feuilletee's guns inoperable.  In a blind panic, the Frenchman ordered his crew to grapple with the HMS Klondike.

The ensuing fight saw the British strength of 50 against the French strength of 20.  The British tars, although taken aback by the initial French attack, rallied and quickly defeated the French boarders.  As the tide turned, Captain Dungeness led the counter attack and stormed the Les Feuilletee, capturing it within minutes as the French crew, exhausted, dispirited, their beloved leader dead, called for quarter.  As a the French prisoners were being stowed in a forward hold, and a prize crew was being organized, Capitán Castanza and the Picadura Nat struck again.  Coming out of the shadow of the disabled Sapphire, the Spaniard delivered two well placed shots which caused additional damage to the HMS Klondike.  One shot flew high across the quarterdeck and inflicted additional damage to the now captured Les Feuilletee.

With that last "sting" at the British, the Picadura Nat turned back towards Cadiz, seriously damaged but undefeated (Presently at a 9, on a 7 the ship is disabled).  However, Captain Dungeness was not a man to allow such arrogance to go unpunished.  He immediately ordered the stern chaser to find the target and put a shot into her.  Gunners Mate Thomas Plant carefully called adjustments to the gun, stood back and fired.  The shot delivered a critical hit to the fast disappearing Spanish vessel.  A rousing cheer went up from the British seamen as they watch the shot disable the rigging on the Spanish vessel.  Alas, the shot, for all of its luck in finding it's target, only slowed the Spanish vessel. 

The British claimed victory, securing the HMS Sapphire with a tow line and headed back towards England with the Les Feuilletee for prize money.  Capitán Castanza returned to Cadiz vowing to fight another day.

FIW units for SP2

During the Covid-19 pandemic when we were generally forced to remain at home, I concluded it was time to reduce my lead pile.  Years ago I had purchased some Blue Moon 18mm Frontier Militia and Woodland Indians, and I still retained some British Light Infantry that needed to be painted.  That plan snowballed and I ended up expanding my FIW project to include additional troops.  I have two companies of British Grenadiers remaining to be completed.

I based these 18mm figures on 20mm round bases for the troops, and the officers were based on 30x32mm bases (mainly leftovers from a rebasing effort from years ago).  My principal rule set with playing FIW games is Sharp Practice 2.  In building these units I wasn't necessarily focused on the points values set forth in SP2, I was looking to provide a relatively even number of units across the board.  The intention of ignoring the point values when constructing these forces was not to employ all of these on the same table at the same time.  Instead, I'd like to establish a larger campaign context that could be fought on multiple tables simultaneously when played with friends or our local club.

Below are my FIW units, starting with the French and followed by the British.  Feedback and suggestions on the painting quality is appreciated.

French Units:

First, are my rendition of three Compagnies Franches de la Marine in summer dress.  This military unit was a major work horse for the French in their military actions in North America.

Second, are my representation of the Captain and Sergeant of the Compagnies Franches de la Marine unit.  I have based the officers and NCOs of all units to look as if they are moving through dense brush.

Third, my representation of three companies of Canadian Militia.  They are painted in warm weather gear which includes natural colored shirts and leggings.  These three companies have blue caps which would indicate they are from the Montreal region.  I relied upon Galloping Major Wargames to aid my painting on this unit.

Fourth, these are my representation of Huron warriors that aid the French.  There are forty figures that represent these Huron warriors.  Although SP2 requires natives to be grouped in twelves, I opted to group them in tens.  It is easier to coordinate when you buy packs that contain 30 figures.  The first group of twenty is led by the chief on the 30x32 base.  The second group of twenty is led by an officer of the Compagnies Franches de la Marine.

Another angle of a group of ten not in the above picture.

British Units:

First, this group consists of Frontier Militia and is the original group that I painted.  I do have to touch up the bases a little, but I was trying to get a general mix of common coat colors for the period.  This has a mix of natural fibers and a few "better" quality coats.

I determined that the Frontier Militia group should have an officer of quality, and I attempted to paint this officer modeled off of the Virginia Provincial Regiment.  Although the coat isn't an exact fit in design, I used images of George Washington in his VA PR coat paint something similar. 

This is the reverse image of the same officer shown above.  For kicks I painted a map on his "paper" in his hand.

Next, three companies of British light infantry of the 45th Regiment of Foot (Wartburton's).  This regiment was engaged in North America from 1746 to 1765 participating with the capture of Fort Beausejour, capture of Louisbourg, the siege of Quebec and the recapture of Newfoundland.  These are actually based upon pennies.  Glue the figure, paint the base with thick acrylic paint.  Put on more glue and flock.

This is my rendition of an officer who will lead the 45th foot on its forays against the French.

Lastly, these are my two groups of Mohawk warriors, groups of ten each.  They are both led by a chief based upon the 30x32mm base.

My final addition (presently on the painting desk) will consist of two companies of British Grenadiers led by an officer.  These are being painted as 94th Regiment of Foot (Royal Welsh Volunteers).  Although they were raised for garrison duty my ancestry is partly Welsh, and in my war game world we need Welsh troops to help protect His Majesty's interest in North America.

SP2 1813 Campaign Overview

The premise behind this is to run a simple SP2 campaign starting in March 1813 to October 1813.  Each month can see two missions for the combatants.  Each side has three officers, one senior leader and two junior leaders to start with.  Each leader has a brief biography which influences his actions.  The goal is for each leader to achieve individual goals during each mission.  Each goal achieved will equal points which are tallied towards promoting the individual.  At the same time, winning each scenario both earns points towards character promotion and it allows the human players to identify the course of the campaign.  Technically, one can also decide who wins the campaign at its conclusion.  This is designed to be a prolonged process that given our free time could take a year to complete.

I took the basics from SP2’s scenarios and characteristics portion and just worked it into something that we would enjoy playing.

Promotion Process: each soldier must earn 20 points to reach promotion (this can be modified later if needed).  Success and failure will result in points being earned or lost.

• Achieve a feat of extreme importance during the game / battle – both players should agree upon this, and this can change as the course of a wargame takes shape.  Success +3 / Failure – 2
• Lead a daring mission against the enemy and succeed.  Success +2 / Failure +1
• Capture an enemy leader in fisticuffs. Success +2 / Failure of being captured -1.  Captured requires a rescue later (daring mission) or waiting for an exchange once the other player has captured an officer of similar rank.
• Kill an enemy leader in a duel.  Success +2 / Failure…your character is most probably dead
• Lead a force into fisticuffs and win.  Success +1 / Failure -1
• Capture wealth.  This will come from looting the local inhabitants, or wagon trains, etc.  It requires the player to use the mechanics in SP2 to get into buildings, have their units loot also, etc.  The premise is that the player role a D6 and from the GM to keep a tally of the loot being collected from each location for that character.   The character must collect 12 bags of loot to earn +1 point towards promotion, 14 bags is +2, etc.  Some of the characters are poor, so collecting loot will be a driving force behind their personalities and actions.

French Leaders and Individual Goals

Status III leader, Majeur Pierre Jacques.  A 41-year-old career solider from an old military family near Leon.  He suffered two career setbacks during the revolution which have slowed his rate of promotion from lieutenant to major, and personal drama has left him a widower and poverty stricken.  A giant of a man at 6’7’’, he is a skilled linguist but having been passed over for promotion for younger junior officers has left him a vile individual filled with anger and resentment towards his superiors.  He sees this current leadership position to earn recognition of his undervalued military genius and a way to accumulate much needed wealth to pay off his mountains of debt.

Individual Goals:

·        Achieve 3 feats of importance

·        Lead 4 successful daring missions

·        Capture enough wealth to improve his social standings and improve his chances of promotion

Status II leader, le Capitaine Liam Blancette.  A 25 year old from protestant stock in Brittany.  He is the illegitimate off spring of local nobility which is why he survived the reign of terror.  However, he suffers from a significant chip on his shoulder and will recklessly throw himself into dangerous situations to prove his worth.  As such, his bravery is the talk of his division and he is seen as a rising star in the French military.  A skilled linguist his both handsome and affable to all who meet him.  He suffers only from being rather frail of frame and prone to episodes of sickness which will reduce his command efficiency.

Individual Goals:

·        Achieve 2 feats of importance

·        Lead 3 successful daring missions

·        Capture 2 enemy leaders in fisticuffs

Status II leader, le Capitaine Andre Manage.  Age 29 from Bologne, he is a former gentleman ranker who enlisted as a private in the armies of the revolution in 1795.  His daring and skill as led him to rise to the rank of le capitaine of skirmishers.  He is an individual of tremendous athleticism, at 5’8’’ he is a strapping fellow that inspires all who follow him.  He desperately wants to achieve the rank of chef de battalion before the war concludes and will do what is necessary to receive the recognition of his superiors.

Individual Goals:

·        Achieve 4 feats of importance

·        Lead 4 successful daring missions

·        Capture enough wealth to improve his social standings and improve his chances of promotion

Prussian Leaders and Individual Goals

Status III leader, Major Sigfried von Hindenburg.  Age 28, he comes from an elite Berlin family of prestigious military pedigree with both wealth and influence.  He served briefly in Napoleon’s Grande Armee which invaded Russia, which only contributed to his loathing of the French as a nation.  He is skilled man of disguises allowing him to infiltrate French camps.  His equally affable nature makes him a good leader, spy or skilled diplomat.  He is thrilled that Prussia is fighting France, and he earnestly wants to obtain the rank of Oberst by the end of the war.

Individual Goals

·        Achieve 2 feats of importance

·        Lead 4 successful daring missions

·        Capture 2 enemy leaders in fisticuffs

Status II leader, Hauptmann Hanz Konig.  At age 19 he is a minor member of the Prussian royal family with wealth and influence.  He is a fine horseman and very good looking which the later characteristic can cause him to linger too long at the residence of charming women.  His youth has clouded his view of war, and he sees it as both a grand adventure to gain “glory” for himself and a means to punish the French for their defeat of Prussia in 1806.  He will be headstrong and heedless of danger when facing the French in battle.

Individual Goals

·        Kill 1 enemy leader in a duel

·        Lead 4 successful daring missions

·        Capture 2 enemy leaders in fisticuffs

Status II leader, Hauptmann Herman Shultz.  Age 33, Shultz is from an old military family but is presently poverty stricken due to gambling drunkenness. Although he served with distinction while Prussia had troops in the Grand Armee, the fact that his was ignored and he faces the ladder of slow promotion has left him cantankerous and vile in social settings with his peers.  Slights upon his honor are quickly settled by duels.  As a skilled swordsman Shultz has left nine men upon that field of honor, and very few now challenge him.  In this new war against France, Shultz has set his sights on winning fame and glory.  He is a ruthless and efficient soldier.

Individual Goals

·        Kill 2 enemy leaders in duels

·        Lead 5 successful daring missions

·        Capture enough wealth to improve his social standings and improve his chances of promotion

15mm Vikings

For my birthday I ordered some 15mm Viking figures from Scale Creep Miniatures who stock Baueda along with several other model types.  I liked the look of these so ordered a few different sets.  These just had a lot of character which was interesting.  The shields are some I found online.  Copy, Paste into a Word Doc and a quick print.  Some glue and "ta-da", shields.

18mm Spanish style buildings

A goal of mine has been to create some type of "Spanish" buildings for Sharpe Practice II.  I was inspired by smallworldproductions.blogspot.com/ use of foam boards along with some inspiration from work Rich as done at Lard Island on his own Spanish terrain.

This isn't perfect, more of a prototype.  It also only uses standard white styrofoam which isn't that useful, but did work out ok with this.  The roof material is cardboard, but I did switch to just plaster which I cut groves through with the plaster knife.  The entire thing got a good once over with plaster then three levels of paint (dry brush included).

On the whole I like the prototype.  

FIW Board

Just messing around with some of my terrain and put together a possible FIW / AWI board.  Different levels of trees, small path through the center, an open area and some hills to the top.  Plan to run something of this type with a SP2 game.