Fontenoy refight - anniversary wargame

Since my son kept asking me when we could recreate the Battle of Fontenoy from May 11 1745 again, I finally did it. Loyal readers will remember a series about this battle [1]. I was really struggling with myself, as I actually wanted to conclude my blog series on the War of the Polish Succession with the Battle of Klausen. I've also been told that there will be an event on site this year to mark the anniversary. But unfortunately, I'm busy on that date.

A view on our "battlefield". The small Austrian contingent in the foreground never made it into the fighting as it happened historicaly. (photo: C. Hanselmann, 2025)

 

This time, I've made an effort to ensure the battlefield is more topographically represented than last time. There are also a few new buildings I've recently acquired to admire. On top of that, I've now painted a Dutch cavalry regiment, which, of course, will also be used. Since I don't have any other Dutch mounted troops, I used Hessians [2] and Piedmontese horse instead.

I still used the same map as before. (map by A. Hanselmann)

I personally took over the Anglo-Dutch side, while my co-author here on the blog commanded the French. This battle presents a significant challenge for any player on the offensive side. The terrain between Antoing and Fontenoy is difficult to attack, as the Dutch not only face the well-entrenched French infantry in Antoing and Fontenoy, but also risk being under flanking fire the deeper they advance. Therefore, I decided from the outset to only hint at an attack here, but to have my best Dutch troops, as coordinated as possible with the Hanoverians, attack Fontenoy, which would be bombarded with massed artillery if possible.

Cronström refused to move and I knew that I had not much of time to take Fontenoy before de Saxe would have his Irish into the fighting. Therefore I ordered the Prince of Waldeck to advance nevertheless and I hoped to rely on my artillery. (photo: C. Hanselmann, 2025)

On the Redcoats' side, I intended to advance as quickly as possible before de Saxe could bring his Irish forward. Experience, not only from the historical battle but also from our game [3], has shown that the French Guards cannot withstand British platoon fire. The cavalry seemed to me to be of no use except to parry any attempt by Richelieu and the French cavalry to encircle them. Ingolsby's troops were only supposed to pretend that I was advancing against the redoubts, so that the Irish Brigade would be diverted from this approach.

The view of his majesty the king of France (here at the Justice d'Antoing). You can see here how the French Maison du Roi-cavalry moved towards the British. (photo: C. Hanselmann 2025)

 

This time, the battle unfolded quite differently. Except for an advance by the French cavalry against Ligonier [4], which then stalled, they remained defensive. As hoped, Ingolsby attracted the attention of the Irish troops.

 

The Dutch are charging one of the French redoubts next to Fontenoy and the village itself. Some defenders are forced to retreat. But the attack is too week and I decided to not occupy the redoubt because the French had their strong Swiss units to recapture the position and I had no reserves to support Waldeck's battalions. The Gardes Voets are whipped out. You may notice that Ilten's Hanoverian foot is too far away to help Waldeck's forces. (photo: C. Hanselmann, 2025)

Contrary to expectations, however, Cronström refused any advance. This left the Prince of Waldeck alone with his units, facing the defenders of Fontenoy and the troops under Montagne. The British cavalry took far too long to make way for the Hanoverians, who under Ilten would support the Dutch attack. Even the heavy artillery fire of the Hanoverians and Dutch was not enough to completely drive away the defenders of Fontenoy. An initial wave was repulsed. A further, weaker wave succeeded in driving a French battalion out of Fontenoy, but also routed the Dutch foot guards. Vauguyon had thus held Fontenoy to a certain extent.

Another perspective on the fighting at Fontenoy. One of Waldeck's units had to rally near Bourgeon after suffering under heavy French fire. The British infantry was advancing too slowly even with Ligonier as a Dashing general in command - that was my greatest problem as I hoped to overrun the proud French guards and led them flee into the ranks of the line infantry behind them. (photo: C. Hanselmann, 2025)

At the same time, Ingolsby managed to deliver a devastating defeat to Grassin's arquebusiers. But, faced with the overwhelming odds that awaited him, he remained at the edge of the Bois de Barry forest. The advance of my British infantry under Ligonier was halted by the skillful replacement of the front line of the Gardes Francaises with rested battalions. Meanwhile, a final assault on Fontenoy was launched from two sides by the remaining battalions under the Prince of Waldeck-Pyrmont and Ilten's Hanoverians. Even though I had previously succeeded in eliminating two French batteries around Fontenoy, the French skillfully retaliated against my attempt, which completely collapsed as a result.

 

After my Dutch were repulsed I tried to weaken the defenders of Fontenoy. But the French could replace some losses. At least two batteries were left in their positions... (photo: C. Hanselmann, 2025)

Now I had most of my infantry in position to fire. Ingolsby was slowly advancing trough the Bois de Barry. (photo: C. Hanselmann, 2025)

The Arquebusiers were overrun by the highlanders using bayonets and swords! (photo: C. Hanselmann, 2025)

Wundersame Zeichen - Miracolous signs 1625 p.1

Dieses Jahr war wie kein anderes davon geprägt, dass wir auf unserer Veranstaltung auch Pferde benötigten. Denn der Fokus lag neben den Zeichen, die man am Himmel zu erkennen glaubte, auf ein Reiterregiment, das auf dem Land rund um Schwäbisch Hall ab Ostern 1625 einquartiert war [1]. Kurz vor der Veranstaltung erfuhr ich, dass wir diesmal sogar 5 Pferde haben sollten, was uns als Organisatoren natürlich sehr gefreut hat. Somit waren wir auch erleichtert, als am Aufbautag tatsächlich gleich 3 Pferde auf der Koppel standen. Diese sollten für den Kürassier, den Trompeter und den Quartiermeister genutzt werden. Später kamen noch zwei Pferde von denen eines von Landhauptmann Rauchhaupt geritten wurde [2].

Im Wirtshaus am ersten Abend nach unserer Ankunft. - In our tavern at the first evening after our arrival. (photo: C. Hanselmann)

This year, like no other, was characterized by the fact that we also needed horses for our event. In addition to the signs one thought one could see in the sky, the focus was on a cavalry regiment that had been quartered in the countryside around Schwäbisch Hall since Easter 1625 [1]. Shortly before the event, I learned that we would have five horses this time, which naturally made us, as organizers, very happy. So we were relieved when, on the day of setup, there were actually three horses in the paddock. These were to be used by the cuirassier, the trumpeter, and the quartermaster. Two more horses arrived later, one of which was ridden by Landhauptmann Rauchhaupt [2].

Bei der Andacht am Freitag. - At the service at Friday. (photo: M. Leyendecker)

Ich selbst musste rasch feststellen, dass ich statt 2 Knechten und 3 Mägden diesmal mit einem Knecht und zwei Mägden vorlieb nehmen musste. Deswegen suchte ich gleich von Anfang an für künftige Jahre Hausgesinde, denn vor allem am Morgen braucht man genug Leute, die rasch für Haushalt und Wirtshausgäste das Frühstück auf den Tisch bringen, das Feuer machen usw. [3]. Dank erstaunlich gutem Wetter konnte schon am Karfreitag die Andacht unter freiem Himmel stattfinden.

I quickly realized that instead of two farmhands and three maids, I would have to make do with one farmhand and two maids this time. Therefore, right from the start, I began looking for domestic servants for future years, because, especially in the morning, you need enough people to quickly bring breakfast to the table for the household and the inn guests, light the fire, etc. [3]. Thanks to surprisingly good weather, the service could already take place outdoors on Good Friday.

Gegen Mittag wurde in meiner Stube die neue Schützenscheibe vorgestellt, welche an diesem Karsamstag "beschossen" werden sollte.

At noon, the new shooting target, which was to be "shot at" on Holy Saturday, was presented in my room.

Der stolze Künstler präsentiert in meiner Schankstube die Schützenscheibe. - The proud artist presents the target in my taproom. (photo: S. Winter)

Von ferne habe ich davon gehört, dass sich die Kunde von wundersamen Zeichen verbreitete. Denn ich hatte wichtigeres zu tun indem ich vor dem Hof eines anderen Landmannes den Landhauptmann erwartete. Er traf ein und ich konnte ihm mitteilen, dass ich unlängst einem Trupp des Reiterregiments Wittenhorst begegnet war. Kurz darauf trafen die erwarteten Reiter ein. Der Hausvater des Hofes [4] ließ die Reiter absitzen und gab ihnen zu trinken. Danach ritten sie geführt von mir und dem Landhauptmann zu unserem Hof weiter. 

From afar, I heard that news of miraculous signs was spreading. I had more important things to do, waiting for the captain at another farmer's farm. He arrived, and I was able to tell him that I had recently encountered a troop of the Wittenhorst Cavalry Regiment. Shortly thereafter, the expected riders arrived. The head of the farm [4] had the riders dismount and gave them something to drink. Afterwards, they rode on to our farm, led by me and the captain.

Ich treffe erst auf den Landhauptmann und dann treffen - hier links im Bild - die drei Reiter des Regiments Wittenhorst ein. Der Kürisser trägt noch nicht seine Rüstung. - I'm meeting first the Landhauptmann (captain) and afterwards - at the left in the picture - the three riders of the Wittenhorst regiment are arriving. The cuirassier has not his armour. (photo: M. Leyendecker)

 

Viel erlebt im März - A lot in March

Dieses Jahr habe ich viel für das nächste Jahr recherchiert. Das ist eher ungewöhnlich, liegt aber nicht zuletzt daran, weil ich das Buch von Wilhelm German [1] relativ günstig erwerben konnte. In diesem Versuch einer Haller Chronik gibt es einfach Hinweise auf Ereignisse, die man anderswo nicht findet. In derselben Zeit waren auch unsere Mitstreiter nicht untätig. Ein Darsteller bereitet die Schützenscheibe für 1625 [2] zu.

This year I've done a lot of research for next year. This is rather unusual, but it's not least because I was able to acquire Wilhelm German's book [1] relatively inexpensively. This attempt at a Hall chronicle simply contains references to events that cannot be found elsewhere. During this same period, our fellow campaigners were also not idle. A performer prepares the shooting target for 1625 [2].

Einer unserer Darsteller [3] hat die Ausstattung als Kürisser begonnen fertigzustellen. Das passt natürlich zu den 1625 einquartierten Kürissern. - One of our participants had started to finish his equipment for a cuirassier. Naturaly that's for our 1625 event. (photo: Daniel Klotz, 2025)

Wir waren auch in Köln, wo ich mich davon überzeugen ließ, dass es in der Stadt ein paar aus unserem Blickwinkel interessante Ecken gibt - sogar ein paar Stadthäuser aus dem 17. Jahrhundert. Wir haben in diesem Monat noch ein wenig Honours of War gespielt und sogar zwei verschiedene Schlachten. Von einer der beiden kann ich hier Bilder zeigen.

We also went to Cologne, where I was convinced that the city has a few interesting spots from our perspective—even a few 17th-century townhouses. We played a bit of Honours of War this month and even played two different battles. I can show pictures of one of them here.

Hier die preußische Wagenkolonne in dem Gefecht bei Domstadtl 1758. - Here the Prussian column of waggons at the encounter at Domstadtl in 1758. (photo: L. Fischer)

Zieten kommt heran um die Kolonne vor dem Angriff der Österreicher unter Laudon zu retten. - Zieten is coming to rescue the column while Laudon's Austrians are attacking. (photo: L. Fischer)

Ich spielte einen Teil der Österreicher unter Siskowitz und wir hatten kaum eine Chance gegen die preußische Infanterie. Daher konzentrierten wir uns darauf so schnell wie möglich Wagen zu erobern und die weniger gute Eskorte des Zuges zu schlagen. - I played a section of the Austrians under Siskowitz and we had little chance against the Prussian infantry. Therefor we were much focussed on taking the waggons and to rout the weaker parts of the escort. (photo: L. Fischer)

Die Achtung vor dem Amtmann - The respect for the bailiff (in 1775)

Es ist spannend wie penibel die Amtspersonen im 18. Jahrhundert auf ihre Würde achteten. So bestand man darauf, dass dem Amtmann die nötige Achtung entgegen gebracht wurde. Wir versuchen das auch auf unseren Veranstaltungen in unserem Verhalten widerzuspiegeln. Normalerweise findet man keine Vergehen, die sich gegen die Würde der Obrigkeit verging, was auch heißen kann, dass man früher nicht so akribisch darauf geachtet hatte. Es ist indessen auch nicht so, dass die Vertreter der Reichsstadt in der Fläche wie die Schultheißen selbst immer ganz vorbildlich sich verhielten. So habe ich in den Jahren meiner Recherchen schon einmal einen Schultheiß gefunden, der mehrfach straffällig wurde indem er einfach so Einwohner seines Dorfes mit seiner Flinte bedrohte und beschimpfte.

It is exciting how meticulously officials in the 18th century paid attention to their dignity. So it was insisted that the bailiff was shown the necessary respect. We also try to reflect this in our behavior at our events. Normally you don't find any offenses against the dignity of the authorities, which may also mean that they weren't so meticulous in the past. However, it is not the case that the representatives of the imperial city in the area, like the mayors themselves, always behaved in an exemplary manner. In the years of my research, I have already found a mayor who committed multiple crimes by simply threatening and insulting the residents of his village with his gun.

Der Amtmann 1763 im Steigengasthaus mit dem damaligen Pfarrer und seiner Frau. Bei Kirchenvisitationen speiste der Amtmann regelmäßig mit den Pfarrern in den Wirtshäusern in seinem Amt. - The bailiff in the tavern together with the vicar and his wife in 1763. At the occassion of the "Kirchenvisitationen" the bailiff regulary took his meal with the priests in the inns of his district. (photo: M. Paulick 2013)

 

Konkrete Beispiele findet man immer wieder in einer der besten Quellen zum Leben der Bauern untereinander und mit der Obrigkeit in Form der Amtsrechnungen. Die Häufung solcher Fälle von scheinbar gedemütigtem Stolz der Vertreter des Staates ist 1775 aber wirklich ungewöhnlich. Ich habe ja zuvor bereits viele Amtsrechnungen anderer Jahre durchgesehen. Ein Bauer aus Hegenau[1] beispielsweise trat am 25. Juli vor eine Deputation ohne seinen Hut abzuziehen, wobei es scheinbar allein schon schlimm genug war, dass er die „HeydStuben“ betrat mit Hut auf dem Kopfe. Der Bauer sollte 1775 1 fl. Strafe für diese „Grobheit“ bezahlen[2]. 

Concrete examples can always be found in one of the best sources on the lives of farmers among themselves and with the authorities in the form of official accounts. The accumulation of such cases of seemingly humiliated pride among state representatives is really unusual in 1775. I have already looked through many official accounts from other years. A farmer from Hegenau[1], for example, appeared before a deputation on July 25th without taking off his hat, although it was apparently bad enough that he entered the “HeydStuben” with a hat on his head. In 1775 the farmer had to pay a fine of 1 fl. for this “rudeness” [2].

 

Der Amtmann siegelt 1769 ein Schreiben. - The bailiff put his seal on a writing in 1769. (photo: C. Behnke, 2019)

Ebenso wollte auch ein Schultheiß keinen Schimpf auf sich sitzen lassen. So verklagte der Schultheiß des kleinen Dorfes Rieden einen Hans Jörg Weidner, ebenfalls von dort, der ihn damit beleidigt haben soll, dass er angeblich besser zum „Eselstreiber“ statt zum Schultheißen getaugt hätte[3]. Wenige Tage danach am 12. August verging sich auch ein Bauer, Jörg Adam Haug, aus Biebersfeld, welcher die Herrschaften in der Amtsstube geärgert habe indem er ohne anzuklopfen und mit dem Hut auf dem Kopf eingetreten sei[4]. Leider wird die Amtsstube nicht näher beschrieben und ich habe bislang nichts weiter darüber gefunden. Der Amtmann des Amtes Rosengarten selbst hatte auf dem Land keinen Amtssitz[5] sondern wohnten in den Mauern der Reichsstadt, wo sie bei Anliegen der Untertanen wie Anzeigen von Straftaten scheinbar in ihrer Privatwohnung aufgesucht wurden.

Beleidigungen mit groben Worten wurden aber härter geahndet. Ähnlich wie es dem Riedener Schultheiß ergangen war, wurden auch die beiden Schultheißen [6] von Uttenhofen und auch der dortige Wirt Seckel durch Friedrich Zörn "elende Tropfen" genannt, wofür Zörn immerhin 3 fl. Strafe zahlen musste [7].

Likewise, a mayor (Schultheiß) did not want to endure any insults. The mayor of the small village of Rieden sued Hans Jörg Weidner, also from there, who is said to have insulted him by saying that he would have been better suited to be a “donkey driver” instead of a mayor[3]. A few days later, on August 12th, a farmer, Jörg Adam Haug, from Biebersfeld, also committed himself because he annoyed the people in the office by entering without knocking and with his hat on his head[4]. Unfortunately, the office is not described in more detail and I have not found anything further about it so far. The bailiff of the Rosengarten office himself did not have an official residence in the countryside[5] but lived within the walls of the imperial city, where they were apparently visited in their private apartment if their subjects had concerns such as reporting crimes.

However, insults with harsh words were punished more severely. Similar to what happened to the Rieden mayor, the two mayors [6] of Uttenhofen and the local innkeeper Seckel were called "miserable drops" by Friedrich Zörn, for which Zörn had to pay a fine of 3 fl. [7].

Fuhrleute 1775 - Carters in 1775

 

Das Thema der Fuhrleute hat uns nebenbei dieses Jahr bei der Recherche wegen dem Salzhandel interessiert[1]. Ganz überwiegend waren auch die Fuhrleute in der Reichsstadt selbst dies nur im Nebengewerbe[2]. Dennoch finden wir teils auch schon recht früh die Erwähnung von Begriffen wie Karrenmann wie für den 1561 erwähnten Hans Söldner[3]. Eine ähnliche Verknüpfung mit einem Hauptbroterwerb mit einer anderen Funktion kennen wir ja auch von den Metzgern, die in der Anfangszeit des Postwesens für dieses eine herausragende Rolle spielten[4]. 

The topic of carters also interested us this year when we were researching the salt trade[1]. The majority of the carters in the imperial city itself were only part-time businesses[2]. Nevertheless, we find the mention of terms such as "Karrenmann" quite early on, as for Hans Söldner, mentioned in 1561[3]. We also know a similar connection with a main source of income with a different function from the butchers, who played an outstanding role in the early days of the postal system[4].

Auch bei Regen ist ein Fuhrmann unterwegs wie bei uns 1771 auf unserer Veranstaltung. - The coachman is working in rain too for example in 1771 on our event. (photo: S. Winter, 2021)

 

Wir wissen wenig über das Leben der meisten Fuhrleute in Hall. Ein Fuhrmann namens Johann Georg Drescher, der in der Gelbinger Gasse wohnte, hatte 1775 in seinem Konkursverfahren immerhin 600 fl. hinterlassen[5]. Etwa um die gleiche Zeit verstarb der Karrenmann Johann Caspar Strobel, der sein Gewerbe mit einem alten Pferd und „zwei schlechten „Wägelen und Truhenkarren betrieben“ hatte. Immerhin besaß Strobel neben seinem kleinen Fuhrpark ein Haus am Spitalbach, auch eine Wiese und ein Garten[6]. Im Gegensatz zu den Karrenmännern verfügten die Fuhrleute über mehrere Pferde wie der Beisitzer und Fuhrmann Johann Georg Trescher, der 1755 immerhin 5 Fuhrpferde besaß nebst einem Wein- und einem Dungwagen. Deutlich wird sein ungleich größeres Vermögen auch durch eine kleine Scheune, die er neben einem Haus sein Eigen nannte, sowie eine Wiese und einen Acker. Zwei seiner Kinder konnten sogar das Bürgerrecht erwerben[7]. Insgesamt muss man aber sagen, dass die Fuhrleute eher zu den ärmeren Einwohnern der Stadt zählten. Viele waren nur Beisitzer und genossen nicht das kostspielige Bürgerrecht[8]. 

We know little about the lives of most teamsters in Hall. A carter named Johann Georg Drescher, who lived on Gelbinger Gasse, left behind 600 florins in his bankruptcy proceedings in 1775[5]. Around the same time, the cart man Johann Caspar Strobel, who had run his business with an old horse and “two bad carts and chest carts,” died. After all, in addition to his small fleet of vehicles, Strobel owned a house on Spitalbach, as well as a meadow and a garden[6]. In contrast to the cartmen, the carters had several horses, like the assessor and carter Johann Georg Trescher, who in 1755 owned at least 5 cart horses in addition to a wine cart and a dung cart. His much greater wealth is also made clear by a small barn, which he owned next to a house, as well as a meadow and a field. Two of his children were even able to acquire citizenship[7]. Overall, however, it must be said that the carters were among the poorer residents of the city. Many were only assessors and did not enjoy the costly citizenship[8].

 

Die französische Armee des Österr. Erbfolgekrieges - The French army of the WAS p. 5

Die Kavallerie war die Waffengattung mit der höchsten Reputation in der Armee. Dabei war die Eigenwahrnehmung ganz offensichtlich eine vollkommen andere als die von außen. In zahlreichen Schlachten des Österreichischen Erbfolgekrieges hatte die Reiterei ein jämmerliches Schauspiel abgeliefert. Das betrifft nicht nur die kleineren Gefechte wie bei Grimbergen [1] sondern auch die großen Schlachten. Es gab verschiedene Versuche die Unterlegenheit der Schlagkraft der französischen Kavallerie zu beheben indem man die Angriffsformation änderte [2]. 

The cavalry was the branch with the highest reputation in the army. The self-perception was obviously completely different than that from the outside. In numerous battles during the War of the Austrian Succession, the cavalry put on a pitiful display. This applies not only to the smaller battles like at Grimbergen [1] but also to the major battles. There were various attempts to remedy the inferiority of the French cavalry by changing the attack formation [2].

Meine Cavalerie Légère und Gendarmes. - My Cavalerie Légère and Gendarmes. (photo: A. Hanselmann, 2025)

Ebenso umstritten war der Einsatz der Feuerwaffen auch im Kampf gegen gegnerische Reiterei. Dabei sieht man, dass es bei den Eliteeinheiten der Maison du Roi - den Gendarmes und Chevaulegers de la Garde keine Karabiner gab. Die Herkunft der Angewohnheit lediglich die Pistolen auf den Gegner abzufeuern und sodann mit dem Pferd vor der Front des Gegners abzubiegen, scheint aus der Epochen der Caracoles zu stammen. Man erinnert sich an Gemälden wie einem der Schlacht bei Fleurus von Peter Snayers von 1622 [3], wo man diese Vorgehensweise bereits erkennt. Der Einsatz mit Pistolen gegen Infanterie, die ohnehin eine weitaus dichtere und höhere Feuerkraft als die Reiterei besaß und obendrein mit den Gewehren der Epoche eine größere Reichweite, erscheint als besonders fragwürdig.

The use of firearms in combat against enemy cavalry was equally controversial. You can see that the elite units of the Maison du Roi - the Gendarmes and Chevaulegers de la Garde - did not have carbines. The origin of the habit of simply firing pistols at the opponent and then turning the horse in front of the opponent's front seems to come from the era of the Caracoles. One remembers paintings such as one of the Battle of Fleurus by Peter Snayers from 1622 [3], where one can already see this approach. The use of pistols against infantry, which already had a much denser and higher firepower than the cavalry and, on top of that, a greater range with the muskets of the era, appears to be particularly questionable.

In der Bildmitte vorne die Gendarmes - dem Namen nach die Schwere Kavallerie. - In the middle of the photo in the foreground my Gendarmes - which were the socalled heavy cavalry. (photo: A. Hanselmann, 2025)

Die Rückseite der Gendarmes. Es sind die beiden Eskadrons der Gendarmes Anglois und Eccossais. - The back of my Gendarmes. These are from the squadrons of the Gendarmes Anglois and Eccossais. (photo: A. Hanselmann, 2025)

Recht typisch ist, wenn wie in der Schlacht bei Fontenoy im Mai 1745 nur ein kleines Häuflein von Reitern in die gegnerische Infanterie einbrach, während der Rest des Reiterregiments abbog ehe es mit der Infanterie zu Zusammenstoß kam. Die wenigen Männer des Regiments Noailles konnten dann kaum etwas ausrichten und wurden zwischen den britischen Fußsoldaten aufgerieben. Nur 14 Mann des führenden Schwadrons überlebten einen Ansturm um die Mittagszeit, 10 von ihnen wurden gefangen genommen [4].

It is quite typical when, as in the Battle of Fontenoy in May 1745, only a small group of cavalry broke into the opposing infantry, while the rest of the cavalry regiment turned away before clashing with the infantry. The few men of Noailles' regiment could hardly do anything and were wiped out between the British foot soldiers. Only 14 men from the leading squadron survived a midday rush, and 10 of them were captured [4].

Das Regiment Royal de Carabiniers (No. 12), eigentlich eines der sehr großen Regiment er. - The regiment Royal de Carabiniers (No. 12) - in reality one of the very large regiments. (photo: A. Hanselmann, 2025)

Clermont-Tonnerre Cavalerie (No. 32 1748) - Clermont-Tonnerre Cavalerie (No. 32 1748). (photo: A. Hanselmann)

Das Regiment Royal Cavalerie nahm die Nummer 4 ein. - The regiment Royal cavalerie had the number 4. (photo: A. Hanselmann, 2025) 

1620s Dumas-Campaign?

At the request of a tabletop player, I want to sacrifice myself. We started a new PML campaign with a few new characters. We have previously used the ruleset for historical skirmishes [1]. A few manufacturers have released models of figures that fit the famous novels of Alexandre Dumas such as "Les trois mousquetaires" [2].

The escort is near the pont while Milady's troops are advancing. (photo: C. H.)

 

Some Commanded Shot are at the waggon with the war chest and some light riders are ready to defend them. (photo: C.H.)

A while ago the two films came out in France that have little to do with the novel. The second half of "Les trois Mousquetaires" shows the king's musketeers in action in the war. The many sets in 1/72 are of no use for the Thirty Years' War, as the king's musketeers, for example, were not there at Freiburg in 1644 [3].

After some bad luck for my forces finally I'm arriving with supporting units to attack Milady's left wing. The Bavairan cuirassiers are losing one of them and you can find Milady in the ranks of her musketeers in the center of the photo. (photo: C.H.)

 

Augustus von Wiesel has his duel with Milady and to my own surprise is victorious. (photo: C. H.)

Since "Les trois Mousquetaires" is set in the 1620s, I thought it would be appropriate to set a campaign in this time. For some reason, in a parallel world, Milady apparently survived the executioner of Lille. She has to make ends meet as an agent and in our first game she was looking for compensation for the lack of income from Cardinal Richelieu's donations. So, based on a scenario from the rulebook [4], a squad of mercenaries escorting a war chest was ambushed. The guard group wanted to go splashing in a pond on the side of the road and suddenly they were attacked.

After the loss of Milady it was a hard fighting for the waggon. I had to be very aggressive and lost many of my mercenaries. But Milady's troops brought the war chest into safety. (photo: C. H.)

 

After a lot of luck, the first battle of the campaign ended in a bit of a mess for Milady. I have a character (Augustus von Wiesel) who is pretty stubborn and can avoid duels with impunity. To Milady's surprise, my main character challenged Milady to a duel and got her out of the way. I still couldn't steal the war chest.