When I started painting my 6mm Crimean War armies, I became interested in the wars of Bismark that were waged in the 1860's. I dreamt of being able to wargame all those wars. My dream was completed a year ago with the completion of a Danish Army. Our great editor, Keith Frye first wrote to me several months ago regarding a letter I had written to the colonial wargaming newsletter, Heliograph. Keith was inspired to start this fine journal from my letter regarding the 1864 Prusso-Danish war. He indicated he had only read a few paragraphs in some books about this conflict and wanted more information. Through some diligent searching, I have discovered several sources that I would like to share with the readership.

The Foreign Correspondent published by Ralph Weaver, 37 Yeading Avenue, Rayners Lane, Harrow, Middlesex, HA2 9RL, U.K.: is the quarterly journal of the Continental Wars Study Group of the Victorian Military Society. This professionally published journal is roughly 20 pages per issue, features great artwork and covers European Wars from 1815 to 1914. Wars covered in the past are the Carlists Wars, 1866 Prusso-Austrian War and of course the 1864 Prusso-Danish War. Issue #22 features the Battle of Alsen, issue #23 covers how their wargames group staged a miniature battle of Alsen and finally, issue #24 covers the Danish counterattack on the Prussians at Kjaer. These articles feature orders of battle plus great maps; everything a wargamer needs to game the conflict. Write Ralph to inquire what back issues are available. If not, he will photocopy them for you. Better yet, subscribe! Subscription is a $20 bill for four air mailed issues.

Practical Wargamer published by Nexus Special Interests, Nexus House, Boundary Way, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 7ST. A three part series on the war appeared in this publication from September/October 1994 to January/February 1995. The first two issues only covered the uniforms and organization of the combatants but the January/February 1995 issue features the Danish-Austrian Clash at Oversee. Complete orders of battle, a map plus tips for gaming the battle are included. Write Practical Wargamer's U.S. agent, Wise Owl Publications (4314 West 238th Street, Torrance, CA 90505-4509) for a back issue list or try hunting for it at your local hobby shop.

The Gauntlet, published by Mark Hannam, Top Right, 65 Walker Road, Aberdeen, AB1 3DL, U.K.: This quarterly 8.5" by 5" journal is mostly written by Mark plus a few articles authored by others. Though devoted primarily to solo gaming, it is full of great ideas applicable to multi-player games. The third issue features the battle of Kjaer. Mark was intrigued by the Foreign Correspondent article to game and write about this battle. He also provides his own tips. Try sending a $5 bill and see if Mark has back issues. If not, he'll probably photocopy it for you. Subscriptions rates are $25 for four issues. Issues have been late the past year due to Mark being in the hospital. However, I just received an issue and he's all well!

The Danish-German War 1864, written by Johs. Nielsen. This 38 page glossy booklet is published by a Danish military museum and is in English. It features several maps, photos and period engravings. Unfortunately, it doesn't feature any battle maps or orders of battle. It's still worth picking up. Try sending a twenty dollar bill to Tojhusmuseet, Tojhusgade 3, 1220 Kobenhavn K. If you are short, they will send you a copy and let you know how much you owe them.

Grande Bataille, Grande Victoire Supplemental Edition, written by J. W. Brown. This supplement for Absinthe Press's rules by the same name features rules additions for Garibaldi and the 1864 Prusso-Danish War. Plus, there are three scenarios including one for the Prusso-Danish War battle of Sankelmark. Unfortunately, this is the battle of Oversee which was featured in an issue of Practical Wargamer described earlier. However, if you're unable to find back issues, this scenario will do just as well. Rules clarifications for Grande Bataille, Grande Victoire are included too. I'm not sure if this module or the rules are in print. You might try writing to Mr. Brown at P.O. Box 19142, Minneapolis, MN 55419.

I hope this article proves helpful for those interested in the war. The ultimate source of the war would be the official Prussian history that was translated and published in the 1890's. My dream is to find a copy!

Related

Battle of Kjaer: 29 June 1864
Review: The Second Schleswig War (book)

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