As follow-up to the survey of French figures, the article provides a brief description of the kits available for assembling the Prussian Army for Waterloo. For gamers this army is particularly interesting as it was in transition in 1815 having recently been reorganized. The goal was to incorporate Reserve, Landwehr, Frei Corps, and foreign units into a new standing army. Though authorized in an effort to unite the troops, the Prussian Quartermasters cut costs by issuing new uniforms only as the old ones need replacement. As a result the Prussian forces fielded a bewildering array of uniforms during the One-Hundred Days campaign. The variety of uniforms adds interest for gamers as they could vary between battalions in a regiment and on occasion even within a company.
The Infantry
The Infantry can be broken into five distinct groups: Old Line, Landwehr, Reserve, Frei Corps, and Foreign Units. Almost all reserve and Landwehr units had as much experience as the regulars as a result of having spent three years in the field. Figures are available for most of the uniform types. The one known exception is the "new" 1815 general issue.
Line
Revell 02580 This set represents the old-line uniform. It is one of the most valuable sets and will work for both Musketeers and Fusiliers (if you are not too picky). This set has recently been re-released by Revell and you will want to stock up on them. The set includes both mounted and dismounted officer, an NCO, drummer and standard bearer.
Landwehr
AirfixlHat 7006 This unit represents the Prussian Landwehr. This set along with the French Imperial Guard were the last two Napoleonic sets issued by Airfix. They are still among my favorite figures. These figures work well for the Silesian Landwehr in coat and rolled up pants. H~it industry has these in reissue. The set includes a dismounted officer, a drummer and a standard bearer.
Reserve
Hat 8052 These figures show the Reserve in the most common uniform - pants, coat without tails and peaked cap. A few figures have weak ankles but overall a strong set. The set includes a better than average dismounted officer advancing with sword on the right shoulder, a very dignified figure.
Some reserve soldiers were possibly still dressed in uniforms supplied by the British. These uniforms included rifle dress and uniforms originally intended for the Portuguese army. I plan on using Revell Riflemen and H6t light infantry in limited numbers to portray those troops.
Frie Korps
Hat 6001 Future (near?) release of Lutzow Frie Corps wear the thigh length coat and shako. They are noted as 1/72 nd scale. Hat remains very hush hush about this series. As long as they do not tower over their fellow troops I plan on using them. The Hat website gives a preview and they look to be really nice figures. The web site shows four master figures
Jagers
Hat 8053 The Volunteer Jagers are one of Hat's best sets to date. All eight poses all are useful. A ring hand figure is included for possible conversion to musician or officer. The troops wear regulation uniform with short-barreled rifled muskets.
Foreign
These formations included the former regiments of Berg and the men of the Russo- German Legion. Some sources show elements of the Berg regiments in the new regulation uniform. But there is evidence that at least some of the men were still wearing their old French style uniforms. I plan to use the new Call to Arms French infantry for these figures though you could also use French infantry by ESCI or Italeri. The men of the former Russo-German Legion may still have been wearing their Russian uniforms at Waterloo. For the infantry I plan on using the ESCI Russian Grenadiers. The legion was an all arms force and the Hat Russian artillery may also make an appearance.
The Cavalry
Cavalry was less powerful than that fielded by Prussian Army during the 1813-14 Campaign. None of the Guard or Heavy Cavalry was present. Dragoons and Lancers were the heaviest battle cavalry. H6t makes the only Prussian cavalry to date. The Hat sets are limited to four poses as with most of their other cavalry sets. Both are nice sets and Uhlans have ring hand figures that offer the option of converting officers, musicians or standard bearers.
Hat 8002 Dragoon Twelve (four poses) Dragoons dressed in the thigh length Litewka and shako.
Hat 8005 Uhlan Twelve (four poses) Uhlans dressed in the thigh length Litewka and plumed shako. All have ring hands.
Artillery
Currently Hat is the only company offering artillery for the Prussian Army. And an excellent job they do of it offering four guns with three choices of barrels (12 pdr., 6 pdr. and 7 pdr. howitzer. This variety allows all types of batteries to be fielded. For horse artillery minimal conversion work will be necessary. Hat 8007 Prussian Artillery The twenty-four crewmen are dressed in the kollet with shako.
Fielding an Army for Waterloo in 20/22mm Plastic
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© Copyright 2002 Hal Thinglum
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