Saturday 22 December 2012

First Carlist War: Isabelino parade (2)

Here are some photos of the "foreign" element of my Isabelino army: the British Auxiliary Legion and the French Foreign Legion.  There was a Portuguese force as well, and hopefully at some stage Perry Miniatures will release figures for that.  The BAL started off with 10 line infantry battalions, a rifles corps of about 500 men, 2 regiments of cavalry and an artillery corps.  This volunteer force was paid directly by the Spanish crown and was not the responsibility of the British government, which was reluctant to commit regular troops to the conflict.  As it happened, units of the Royal Navy, the Royal Artillery and the Royal Engineers did participate in the war.

To date I have 3 of the infantry battalions, the 7th, 9th and 10th, together with the rifle unit, a battalion of Royal Marines and some artillery.  I recently finished a lancer cavalry unit which I'll post about next week.  From what I can tell, the BAL tended to fight its battles without much Isabelino army support, so I'll need to bulk the force up to 8 infantry battalions and a full artillery compliment.  With hindsight, I should have painted the artillery in uniforms that are a much darker blue; I might see if I can remedy this when I next paint some.
10th Regiment, "Munster Light Infantry"

7th Regiment, "Irish Light Infantry"

 
Royal Marine rocket troop

Royal Marines

I blogged about the the FFL recently, so won't do so again here.  I plan on raising 2 infantry battalions to start with (I have 1 and a bit), and some cavalry.


 
 
PS. I meant to post the grand total for the Isabelino army.  It's 166 infantry and 12 artillery crew with 3 guns for the Spanish regulars; 126 infantry, 12 cavalry and 11 artillery crew and 3 guns for the 2 legions.  I reckon that's just over half of what I want to do.  And here's a taster of the BAL lancers:
 


13 comments:

WSTKS-FM Worldwide said...

Giles,

What a colorful force especially the flags! I had no idea about the bright and variegated uniforms worn during this conflict. I feel those wargaaing butterflies coming on.

Best Regards,

Stokes

GaryA said...

It's such a shame I can't get all that interested in the history side of the conflict because the figures are among the best the twins have produced. Excellent characters among the Isabelino catalogue alone.

Cracking painting as usual!

Christopher(aka Axebreaker) said...

That's just flat out wonderful Giles! It's very inspiring!

Christopher

MurdocK said...

I love the use of the backdrop buildings in your photos.

Michael Awdry said...

My goodness that is a thing of beauty - great job Sir.

Paulalba said...

Inspiring collection Giles,

Whisperin Al said...

A lovely collection - not helping me stay away from this period!!!

Phil said...

Great looking minis, pictures are really impressive!
Phil.

Rodger said...

Fantastic photos and a wonderful line-up Giles!

Phyllion said...

Lovely stuff!

legatus hedlius said...

And sunshine too!

Must meet up for our Christmas drink...after Christmas!

Have a happy one!

Silver Whistle said...

A wonderful collection Giles.
Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas,
Pat.

Vinnie said...

Very Very nice armies thank for the images.