Russian Army 1800-15

Book

by Ned Zuparko

by George Nafziger

Price: $10 available at local hobby stores; subscribers to The Courier can obtain it at a discount through the Supply Depot.

Data: Published by RAFM; card covers, 80 pages (57 text, 23 app. line drawings of uniforms and formations.)

Reliable information about Russian Napoleonic armies has always been extremely hard to find for the Napoleonic wargamer. What information there is often takes the form of non-English sources or general information lacking detail. Readers familiar with George Nafziger's work in magazines such as EMPIRES, EAGLES AND LIONS will know that these two categories are precisely his strengths. In THE RUSSIAN ARMY 1800 - 1815, George gives a comprehensive picture of the structure and evolution of the Russian armies of this time. This is supplemented by descriptions of the uniforms of the different branches and their changes.

One work of caution is necessary. This book deals with the organizations and TO&Es of the armies but does not attempt to deal with campaign strengths or the effects of attrition. However, this only means the book will complement instead of replace other works on the Russian army available to most wargamers by Fred Vietmeyer, Ray Johnson, William Murray and others. By accurately depicting the way the army was supposed to be, one can appreciate the effects of campaigns as well as gain an understanding of the relation of the army to the rest of Russian society and contemporary Europe, something wargamers often overlook as they peer at the tabletop.

The basic organization is presented in a tabular form, listing the ranks and the number of men for each rank, according to year. Additional text and tables describe the organizational history and some drill, tactical organization and usage. I found the artillery section to be of particular interest since accurate, detailed information is often hard to come by on that particular branch. George deals briefly with an old wargaming chestnut, Russian Skirmishing. Though he describes it as "exceedingly primitive" he does point out how it was used by both Jager and Line units, as well as Militia on occasion. Of less direct interest to the tabletop (though it shouldn't be), are bits of other information.

For example, the numbers, locations and equipment of the Russian artillery parks given should make a good point of departure for further research into applying such things to wargames campaigns. Another table showing provision magazine levels in 1812 helps us see that campaign in a broader perspective, even if we can't use it at the present moment in our games. Thus we find much data presented in the book; what the wargamer does with it will be largely up to him.

In recommending this book I don't wish to overlook the publisher, RAFM. There isn't always a market for specialist interests such as Napoleonic wargaming and history, so I think it is important to support companies like RAFM that do cater to us fanatices with products such ass EMPIRES, EAGLES AND LIONS and books such as THE RUSSIAN ARMY 1800-1815.

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