Vive!

Dear Sir,

Many Congratulations on completing a successful first year of First Empire, not an easy task in the uncertain world of hobby magazines as we all know. It would seem however that the Napoleonic faithful have rallied to the colours of First Empire and I very much hope it continues to go from strength to strength.

In the last issue (No.6) I particularly enjoyed Colin Allen's article on The Catastrophe of St. Michael Leoben and Leon Parte's article on the Action at Utitsa. Both of these articles described engagements with a relatively small number of troops on each side making them realistic possibilities for reenactment for the small group of wargamers or even the solo wargamer. It was also extremely interesting to read about these little known actions which may well have had a bearing on the major battles of the time i.e. Wagram and Borodino respectively. Please let's have more of the same, perhaps even a regular feature on this scale of encounter.

Anyway keep up the good work, I certainly had no hesitation in subscribing to the next six issues....Vive First Empire!

Advertisers take note!

Dear Sir,

I have just received issue 6 which means for me that my subscription will end with number 7, so very soon! Please accept my cheque to renew it. One year has already gone and I did not notice it as I was so interested in each of your issues.

If you could improve, (for the benefit of foreign readers), the "Under Review" section by giving more information about figures, prices and "How to Pay", (Cheque, Visa etc) it would be appreciated. Also a must would be more information about flags and uniforms (the more unusual ones).

Also may I ask you to remind your advertisers that your readers can be far from England, (my own subscription is redirected from France to India where I am staying for two years), so we "foreign" readers need a bit more information if we are to purchase. Please tell them to think about us!

All the best for the following years to come.

Initially unimpressed ... but!

Dear David,

I enclose a cheque to continue my subscription to First Empire. I was not greatly impressed by the first number that came out and did not see myself renewing my subscription. However, further issues have been good.

Your article on 2mm figures was particularly helpful. The samples I had from both firms would have inclined me to Irregular Miniatures but your article widened my perspective. I have not yet gone into 2mm and I do not know which firm I should choose if I did, but, having read your article, it will be a better informed choice. I should welcome more articles like this which take a wider viewpoint than the very good reviews.

Another type of article which I should like to see would be by rule writers setting out the rationale behind their ideas. For instance the arguments for taking casualties in whole figures as against a cumulative count or the basis for deciding the costs in points of different figures. Does a figures costing 50% more in points tum out to be, other factors being equal, to be so much more effective in firepower or in melee?

I hope you have a satisfactory number of subscription renewals and even more new subscribers.

Contents and Drill..

Dear Sir,

As far as the contents of First Empire are concerned, it's a good read and gives interesting information, but I wonder if your contributors could pay some attention to Napoleonic Skirmish actions? It would be highly welcomed, (not only by me I guess). And some detailed information about basic drills, the verbal orders etc, for each kind of Napoleonic army would be most welcome. I'd like to know whether some people reading the magazine could provide me and other readers with such information.

I know because I was there almost!

There have always been experts in the hobby - and the hobby has needed them. But recently I notice there is are new types of expert. One is the "experienced, battle-hardened" armchair wargamer. A new phenomenon, iet me explain about these experts. The battle hardened wargamer will tell you he is a good "cavalry commander" - or "infantry" or "tank" or whatever. His experience and knowledge comes from moving little figures around the table. But he takes his boast seriously, and so I imagine do some other wargamers.

I have a friend who plays Computer golf on his computer. He tells me he is a great golfer. He isn't of course, he's just dexterous with his fingers. He could equally claim he's a great cavalry commander - why not, playing computer golf is probably as valid an experience as moving strips of toy soldiers around.

There are similar comments in various computer magazines about flying F-16s or "B1s" or whatever the aircraft is. I can understand how children can confuse playing a game with "flying" but I always thought we wargamers were serious people and able to distinguish between what happens on our tabletop and reality.

This new type of expert believes that by winning or losing games he actually gains experience of command and combat.

Whatever people tell you playing with toy soldiers and that's what we wargamers do - does not equate with real warfare. I've won and lost countless battles, campaigns and even wars over the last twenty odd years, but in all those games no one ever got hurt, and the closest I ever got to real danger was a traffic accident on the way to a wargames show.

But as If this wasn't enough there's also another experienced, battle-hardened expert. This is the person who dresses up and goes off to fight choreographed battles with predetermined results. I'm told that this gives real experience of battle.

Again I've been reading in various magazines about the results of this kind of experience but it seems to me that there are certain flaws in reconstructions. If you choreograph the battle for the benefit of the watching public it isn't much of a battle, just a good choreography.

I'm all in favour of reenactment societies. I believe they introduce many people to history and associated subjects. I also think that reenactment can give clues to drill and movement. But I don't believe that a choreographed battle with a predetermined outcome can tell a great deal about the actual period fighting. I certainly don't believe taking part in such a event counts as experience of combat.

Now I've appeared on stage and in front of the cameras trying to cut someone's head off with an axe whilst desperately trying to stop taking my mine off. But since we had rehearsed the choreography for months I can only say I was a good performer, not a good axe-fighter.

On my computer I've flown jets and helicopters, sailed destroyers submarines and gunboats and commanded legions, barbarians, tanks and a host of armies. But the only experience I can claim is using a computer.

You might wonder why I'm moaning about these so-called experts and their experience. It's because as they appear in print there is a danger that people will give credence to what is written, and instead of relying on factual documentary evidence will accept opinions instead.

For example if you want to know about cavalry go and ask a cavalryman.. I know one who reads this magazine. He took part in a famous charge, one of the last great cavalry charges, where the enemy desperately tried to stop him and his unit from reaching their lines. They used real bullets and the outcome hadn't been decided in advance. That's combat experience.

I know another wargamer concemed with the production of this magazine who can tell you what it is like to charge into a hail of missiles, and know the assailants are not people playing at warfare, but rather those eager to injure and maim.

I've owned horses for twenty years - I could relate to you anecdotes and stories until the cows come home. I've been terrified and exhilarated, I've galloped hell-for-leather and suffered for it. But that doesn't make me a cavalryman. And putting a costume, working out in advance who is going to win and who is going to fall off dead doesn't make cavalrymen either. And that applies just as much to infantry and artillery, and any period, country or army.

There are enough experts with real experience that we as a hobby can draw on for our knowledge. We don't need to invent experience. Use the reenactment societies where possible to supplement research, but keep it in context. On stage I've lead a troop of Uhlans and Hungarian Hussars, but it didn't give me experience of commanding troops in battle.

Let's remember this is a hobby. That we are all hobbyist. All opinions are welcome but let's not confuse fun and make-believe with reality.

Otherwise I shall be tempted to tell you about a dream I had the other night.

A new convert to the hobby....

Dear Mr Watkins:

I have been interested in tabletop wargames for a little more than a year now. During a visit to London I ran into the Salute 91 convention by accident. I gave it a try and realised: This is it! No more collecting stamps, model trains etc. for me. I had found a new hobby but I decided to take my time in choosing my favourite style of game, era, figures, ske etc. I didn't want to waste a lot of money. I attended some meetings in Germany, talked to people, read magazines and attended Salute 92. The Napoleonic era turned out to be my choice, being interested in all other areas. You have to get started somewhere.

At a convention at Rheindalen, Germany I met and watched a group from Bielefeld playing the computer supported Follow the Eagle V. I watched closely and asked my questions (I know they are disturbing sometimes! Thank you for your patience, sorry I can't remember any names). These chaps surely had fun during their fast flow and very realistic game. This was what I had been looking and waiting for.

I was also referred to your First Empire magazine. I am impressed. What I had been looking for were well written articles giving practical information. For those who want to dig in deeper further bibliography is given. You have managed to find a good balance in your magazine. Most important one can tell that you are enjoying your job wanting to push the hobby. It's not to often that one gets good quality for a fair price.

First Empire should stick to the Napoleonic era in my opinion. The field is so large. I hope the magazine will be able to keep it's spirit of "being a big family". I like to see readers asking for help and information and then even receiving it. I hope to bring in my portion by sending you an article about the Russo-German Legion. This was actually triggered by a letter to editor from Tim Franklin in First Empire No.6.

It would be nice to see more reviews about figures, models, terrains, just the lot. What about a review on painting services (quality, price, service etc.) For someone living not in Britain it can happen quickly to order some rubbish for a bt of money because there are no wargame shops around here. Not yet, who knows?

All the best for First Empire and keep it up!

Even Subscribers move house....

Dear Dave,

It seems we both moved house over the past couple of months. I think I moved a bit further, though, resuming to North London in search of work, which happily I have now found.

Now, about First Empire itself. Apart from the fact that the magazine is utterly not bad at all, and the articles are always enjoyable, the letters' page has become an interesting platform for the exchange ot information. I particularly enjoyed the joint Maslennikov/Parte ancestral revelations. Also, I noted with pleasure that Tim Franklin had offered a few more points of information on the varied uniforms of the few Rheinbund Regiments. It all helps. In retum, I would bve to pass on some of the requested information on Russians, but the bulk of my reference material is still at home in Kent. Perhaps you know someone else with a copy of W J Rawkins' Russian Uniforms Guide, published by Anschluss. I seem to remember that having a decent section on the Russo-German Legion, as well as perhaps being able to answer some of the other points raised. Also, although I can't check on it, wasn't the Salzburg Infantry Regiment of Austria just another of their line regiments with mid-German names, like the Wurzburg Infantry Regiment, or am I wrong?

Apart from that, I love the recent covers, and I think Mr. Lawrence's letter in issue 5 is a brilliant idea that I would welcome wholeheartedly. For me, a great part of the attraction to Napoleonics is the variety and styles of uniform, and to have cobur plates to bring uniform descriptions to life would be a godsend. Keep up the good work.

.... And have babies too.....

Dear Dave,

I like to think of myself as a wargamer of many years standing (20 years to be precise) and in all that time I have never felt the need to put pen to paper and write to a magazine, until now that is.

Four years ago, I got married and the wife had a baby (by the way congratulations on your new arrival) and I was made redundant. Things on the whole got pretty tight as you can imagine. However, I had to sell most of my 15mm and 25mm armies, mostly ancient, A.C.W. and W.W.2., just to make ends meet. Anyway to get away from this hard luck story, four years later I found myself in a good job, brought a new house and yet again had another new baby and my interests have started to stir again but I am literally starting from square one.

With the advent of 2mm figures from Conflict and Irregular I thought this could be the answer. I had always wanted to do Napoleonic but could not afford it nor did I have the space.

Now it seems I could have both, so last year sometime I somewhat skeptically sent off some cash for 2x2mm armies and scenics. However, when they arrived four days later (how do they do that) I was pleasantly surprised but hadn't a clue how to paint them. Irregular were also advertising something called First Empire, which after a few months I decided to order issues 1-6 and I have never looked back.

Not only is it packed with useful information and battles but it also had one issue telling me how to paint my 2mm figures, which I did and now I have got my wargaming off to a great start again.

I only do Napoleonic now thanks to you and of course Irregular. There is one point I would like to make though, I am sure many of your readers are hardened veterans to Napoleonic wargaming and know much of what there is to know about tactics, organisation and uniforms etc, but as a newcomer to the period I find it a little daunting to say the least. Wouid it be possible to have a few pages each month devoted to the basics, i.e. organisation and uniform details of French and British armies. I plan to go to the more exotic troops later but I need to leam to walk before I can run as they say.

So if we would have a little bit of room for the beginner, I would be grateful.

Calling Irish Wargamers

Dear Sir,

Congratulations on your first year of First Empire. 44 articles so far and not a duff one yet, all interesting to read. The inclusion of the Dispatches page is also a great success, indeed it is probably the part of the magazine I enjoy the most because as a solo wargamer it helps me keep in touch with other gamers feelings towards the hobby.

Once again the advertisements are all pertinent to my main field of interest and so I enjoy reading them, whereas in other similar magazines I consider them a waste of valuable article space. However, my one annoyance, although that is perhaps a strong word to use, is a number of letters in some of the issues with regard to the spelling of place-names of battles, etc.

I must confess - and I mean no offence to the persons concerned - that whether or not there was an 'h' in Albu(h)era does not in my opinion merit any kind of comment what so ever. A name is a name is a name. In researching a solo version of Borodino (which I will submit in time to the editor for his kind perusal) I have come across five different variations of name for the one river. Does it matter which one I settle on? I think not. All are valid.

With regards to a number of other points which have been raised in Dispatches, I would gladly pay more for the magazine if the editor were to decide to introduce a colour 'uniform info' plate. I would not, however, like the inclusion of colour photos at the expense of the articles. A brother wargaming journal to which I subscribe boasts the slogan 'Getting there fastest with the mostest colour pages of any wargames mag' - all very well, but out of the nine articles included amongst the last issues myriad ads and colour pics, only two concemed the areas of gaming I am interested in. I must, however, confess to an ulterior motive to my no picture stance. I do find that all these colour pies of superbly based and painted figures do tend to depress me when I contemplate my own feeble efforts. Why do they never print pies of ordinary gamers' figures. In connection with the above I agree with R.L Darby about the uniform article - give me a simple colour plate anytime.

Some people may not agree with the above points, but I trust that the editor will develop the magazine in the best interests in his subscribers.

May I also ask the editor to print my name and address at the end of the article as I would like to contact Peter O'Brien from Waterford and perhaps he could write to me. There are not many wargamers in Ireland and I would like to correspond with him about matters Napoleonic.

Before I sign off I would like to congratulate the editor on the arrival of his new cavalry regiment and I hope that he is having fun 'cleaning out the stables'. Well done, David, on both Charlotte and First Empire. Look forward to the next issue.

Editor: Thanks for the Congrats, the small fluffy thing that Charlotte has now acquired, and the article which will appear next issue. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the readers who either wrote or telephoned their good wishes to my wife and her latest recruit. Many of you will know that unfortunately the "Dragoon Guards" as she has become known in this locale, has been very ill, spending a considerable time in the hospital. She is now recovered and permanently lodged at the Beech St. barracks. Again, thanks for your concern.

Croatian info required...

Dear Sir,

I recently bought a copy of First Empire at a convention in Germany, No.4 to be exact. I quite liked the magazine. Especially the article 'a command for all seasons'. Building a wargame army to reflect the organisation and identity of a real unit is something I have been advocating in our club for years. At the moment I am working on the 9th Division 2nd Corps under the command of General Merle, as this Division went to Russia in 1812. This is also the Division that includes one of the Croatian Regiments (3rd Provissional). In the article it is stated that this Regiment were dressed in French Light Infantry style uniforms. In the picture in this article, however, a soldier of the Regiment is show wearing normal line infantry dress with just one cross belt. According to my own information light Infantry always wore two crossbelts and had epaulets with fringes, not only in the flank companies but also in the centre. Can you or any of the readers tell me what kind of uniform was worn by the Regiment and if the centre companies wore one or two cross-belts. I would very much like to find out because I am going to replace the unit ot Croatians that I already possess with better figures and would like to make them as historically accurate as possible.

Pre 1808 Russians...More info...

Dear Sir,

I have been reading with interest the correspondence, in First Empire 5 & 6, on the pre - 1808 Russian Army. Therefore I shall attempt to answer the various points raised.

In Michael Jones letter a number ot points are raised, while some of the points were answered by Tim Frankiin in his letter, not all were. So, in the interests of clarity I shall answer all the original points to the best of my ability.

The question of the missing Grenadier companies must have perplexed everyone who ever beheld the organisation in Nafziger. There is no explanation why they should have been omitted for there is a quotation from Barclay de Tolly (while Minister of War) complaining about the superabundance of Grenadiers. One can postulate, of course, that the specifically-mentioned Grenadiers were held in greater esteem than those of ordinary battalions. There is no reason to suppose that the Grenadiers of musketeer regiments wore anything other than the mitre cap prior to its replacement by the plumed shako. There is no reason to suppose that the Fusilier plume was different from that of the Grenadiers.

We now pass onto the vexed subject of the Guard Jagers dress. Initially they appear to have worn much the same uniform as the Line Jagers; i.e. light green jacket with distinctive facing colour, (in this case orange), the head gear appears to mirror that of the line. Thus we have at the beginning of the century they are wearing the cocked hat, then in 1802 they change to the 'round hat' (see "Uniformes" No.104 Juillet 1987, and finally by 1805 they sport a shako unadorned save for a white pompon which had also existed on the round hat. Therefore we can safely say that the Guard Jayer uniform was stylistically in advance of the Line, albeit only slightly.

We now arrive at the headgear of the Line Infantry during the Austerlitz campaign of 1805. I, personally, have not come across any reference to the specific form of headgear being worn by a particular regiment, but that does not mean that such references do not exist. However, I would refer the reader to the article in "Military Illustrated" number 16. While the illustrations accompanying the article may be an artists artifice to illustrate all the possible variants. Nethertheless, it is possible that they know something that we do not. I would suggest that the wargamer use some artistic licence, safe in the knowledge that he probably will not be found out.

To turn now to the Guards Regiments. Initially being Grenadiers, they wore the mitre cap. However, during the early part of Alexander I's reign they changed to what appears to be a heightened version of the headdress associated with the 'Potemkin Uniform'. This seems to have been replaced by the shako with 'busch' plume in 1804 althouah the former headdress seems to have been worn as part of parade dress until the following year. This is particularly interestina as the Guard were never issued with the Potemkin uniform.

Editor: Included in this letter were comments pertaining to the Russo-German Legion--see James Field's article for the complete rundown.

The mysterious Sakburg unit quoted in Duffy's "Austerlitz" is not easily explained. The 6 battalion size seems nonsensical. Yet, we can theorise. The size could be by the omission of other units. The only obvious explanation for the Salzburg unit is that it was an old Holy Roman Empire one (from the Archbishopric of Salzburg). Again this is speculation.

Finally could I end with a plea for information on the inspection colours during the Pauline period. Any further information on the type of metal used on the mitre caps and colours would also be appreciated.