Been thinking of additions needed for the 1790 Tradgardland project. I had thought of vignettes, baggage and a few bits and bobs then it struck me - Cavalry! I got some images up for inspiration-
Great pictures but not a solution. Anyway the game will be set in snow with snow based units including ski troops. So here’s the question- how useful are cavalry in a snow covered battlefield? Do I need them or not? What eighteenth century precedents do we have for cavalry in winter warfare? All answers are eagerly anticipated!
Not 18th century, but Murat’s charge on the second day of Eylau in February 1807. II think the conditions were blizzard like.
ReplyDeleteThen there’s the cavalry charges at Leuthen in December 1757. Frozen ground but not much snow.
Chris/Nundanket
Thanks, l will follow these up…
DeleteAlan Tradgardland
Necessary? Probably not, but I mean come on!!! Cavalry are ALWAYS necessary! The horses are a joy to paint and nothing is more evocative than a charge of lancers! This is of course coming from the kid who planned on being a knight when he grew up…ha!
ReplyDeleteVery true, you have put me in my place. :)
DeleteAlan Tradgardland
Re Nundankets contribution above, try searching Colonel Chabert Eylau Charge on YouTube. In reality, 18th century generals tried to avoid fighting battles in the snow, but this isn't reality, it's a game, so if you want cavalry, get some!
ReplyDeleteNot reality, you must be wrong :) very true.
DeleteAlan Tradgardland
I'm with Mardigan and rross here - how could you not have cavalry?! Riding a horse in snow is fine though ice is obviously a bit treacherous and its not as if you're going to be charging across frozen lakes or anything, is it (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcPixaWL2Pg) Go for it!
ReplyDeleteI think I’ve been persuaded…
DeleteAlan Tradgardland
Strangely enough I have been fiddling about with an idea that is semi/demi Nevsky influenced in a round and about way…
DeleteAlan Tradgardland
How about French cavalry capturing frozen Dutch warships in 1795? Does that count? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capture_of_the_Dutch_fleet_at_Den_Helder
ReplyDeleteAll counts in this . Terrific capture indeed.Alan Tradgardland
ReplyDelete