Armies on Parade II: 42mm November Uprising (1830-1831)

Here are some images of the November Uprising 42mm project I’ve been working on since the start of 2019.

Facing what is essentially a Napoleonic Russian army in green uniforms, is the Polish army of the Uprising, largely in blue.

The Polish army consisted of a core of ‘old’ infantry regiments from the Congress Kingdom’s army (8 line and 6 light), dressed in Napoleonic style with shakos, and of excellent quality; with 15 further line infantry regiments raised during the Uprising, dressed in Prussian-style ‘Landwehr’ uniforms and caps. The latter were predominantly also in blue uniforms, but several regiments wore green, grey, and one wore white. A minority of the ‘new’ infantry used scythes in lieu of muskets. Facings differed between regiments; each regiment having three, and ultimately four battalions. The Poles also had one Grenadier Regiment, one of Active Veterans, a Guard of Honour, and a City Militia (Warsaw).

The Polish cavalry consisted of 13 Lancer regiments (with a lot of variation in uniforms), with five additional regiments of Mounted Rifles, one of Carabiniers, and several raised regionally (most also used the lance).

The Russians deployed the Imperial Guard, a Grenadier Corps, a Lithuanian Corps, and several line corps, as well as a mix of cavalry ranging from Cuirassiers, Dragoons, Hussars, Lancers, and Cossacks. Their infantry included line foot, as well as Jaegers, Marines, Grenadiers, Carabiniers, and Sappers.

Both sides used a mix of 12-pounders (positional artillery) and 6-pounders (‘light foot’ or horse artillery), and supporting licorne howitzers.

The final element is the partisan dimension. The Poles raised many independent light infantry battalions, often wearing green uniforms, which often fought in guerrilla-style and were designated ‘sharpshooters’; partisan units which were sometimes armed with scythes; as well as Legions of foot and horse in Lithuania, Volhynia, and Ukraine.

My collection (a mix of Irregular, Sash&Saber, and Perry miniatures) currently consists of:

Poles:

* 1 Grenadier battalion, 5 line battalions, 2 light infantry battalions;
* 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th Lancers, the Volhynian Lancers, and a Mounted Rifles regiment;
* 3 guns and crews

Russians:

* 1 Grenadier battalion, 6 line battalions, 2 Jaeger battalions;
* 3 Cossack regiments; one regiment each of Cuirassiers, Dragoons, and Hussars
* 3 guns and crews

I intend to add Polish partisans, independent sharpshooters, more Russians, and 6-pounder artillery as well as licorne howitzers. While I have enough figures for a small game, I will be expanding my collection to play larger battles. The rules will reflect the period, with Polish infantry rated higher than the Russian, Poles able but Russians not very good at skirmishing, approximately equal cavalry, and a parity in artillery quality (Russians always had more guns).

My book on the subject is proceeding, but I will be producing a Compendium for wargamers first, before turning to a narrative of the war in a second, smaller, tome.

First up, the Polish Army: