The Honved War 1848 - 1849

If you're looking for a fascinating dive into one of history's more obscure conflicts, The Honvéd War – Armies of the Hungarian War of Independence 1848–1849 by Nigel J. Smith is a delightful read that offers both insights and a bit of adventure into Hungary’s struggle for independence in the mid-19th century. It is No. 47 of Helion’s from Musket to Maxim series. With a focus on the Hungarian army – the Honvéd – and their battle for freedom in 1848-1849, the author brings to life the drama, the tactics, and the triumphs (and defeats) of this bold but ultimately tragic campaign.

 

The writing style is such that it makes complex military movements and political intricacies easy to follow without feeling like you're drowning in military jargon. The author’s clear explanations about the structure and operations of the Hungarian army give you a fascinating snapshot of how this ragtag group tried to take on some of the most powerful forces in Europe at the time. And don’t worry, if you’re not a military expert, Smith’s easy-to-understand approach ensures you won’t be lost in the weeds of strategy.

 

One of the most enjoyable parts of the book is how it brings out the character of the Hungarian soldiers and commanders. These weren’t just faceless figures; Smith captures their determination, struggles, and, at times, their idealism. You get a real sense of the passion that drove the Honvéd forces, even if their hopes for independence were ultimately dashed.

 

The book also does a great job highlighting the broader context of the Hungarian Revolution, providing insights into how this conflict fits into the larger European movements of 1848, where revolution was in the air across the continent.  You will see how Hungary’s fight was part of a much bigger wave of change, giving readers a broader sense of the stakes involved.

 

The book looks first at the Imperial Kaiserliche-Konigliche Armee and how it was organised. We then have detailed chapters on the organisation of the Hungarian and Russian armies, followed by regimental organisation, tactics and weapons. The book rounds off with descriptions of the main commanders, the uniforms and flags and standards of each of the armies and orders of battle. A great deal of information has been packed into these chapters, and the author has drawn on a wide range of sources, including contemporary accounts, military records and private correspondence.

 

The battles and tactics are examined, with enough detail to satisfy military historians, history enthusiasts, casual readers and war gamers.

 

The book benefits from 14 gorgeous colour plates. Some are contemporary illustrations, but the others are specially commissioned pieces for the book. There are also a large number of black and white images, tables and charts explaining the organisation of the army and such like, a map of the region and several orders of battle, which are invaluable for anyone interested in perhaps wargaming the uprising.

 

The Honvéd War is a well-rounded exploration of an often-overlooked chapter in European history. It is educational and entertaining; more than enough to keep you turning pages. Whether you're a history buff or just curious about Hungary's struggle for independence, this book will give you enjoyment and insight into the war. If you are a wargamer, this book could hit your pocket hard! Highly recommended for anyone looking for a fresh historical perspective!

 

ISBN 978-1-804515-60-3.   187 pages, softback

Holiday reading - The Northern Coalition Against Napoleon 1810-1815 and The Campaign on the Loire 1870-1871

A break away from home has given me the opportunity to carry out some light holiday reading; ok ‘light’ is all relative I guess, but as I my nature allows me to absorb books I find it very relaxing and satisfying. 

Patrik Björk's The Northern Coalition Against Napoleon: The Campaigns of Bernadotte, Britain and the Swedes 1810-1815 os No 143 in Helion’s ever-expanding from Reason to Revolution series. It is a fascinating insight into the intricate balancing act of diplomacy and warfare that ultimately led to Napoleon's downfall. This hefty book (almost 500 pages) focuses on the often-overlooked Northern Coalition, created by the former French Marshal Bernadotte, who, with British support as was the norm in those days, sought to overthrow his previous master Napoleon.

The author has consulted a staggering number of sources - over 500 - including letters, diaries, and official reports from French, British, Swedish, and even Finnish archives. I found the narrative to be far from partisan, and pretty well balanced and neutral that brings a whole new series of campaigns to the readers, offering new perspectives on the Napoleonic Wars.

This account digs deep into the personal and military conflicts between Napoleon and Bernadotte. The latter was clearly his own man. One couldn’t really make up the series of events that led to his election as Crown Prince of Sweden.

The formation of the Northern Coalition is examined with detailed descriptions of the campaigns and battles on land and at sea. Bernadotte and the Swedish forces’ contribution are certainly showcased. Of course these wars are fought pretty much exclusively by the common soldiers, and the author touches upon these human elements well.

The author takes us through the run up to the final years of the reign of of the Swedish King Gustav IV Adolf, his removal, the election of Crown Prince Carl August, his untimely death when he fell from his horse and cracked his skull, and ultimately the election of Bernadotte in his place. The political machinations running throughout this series of events is fascinating, especially the influence of Denmark-Norway in trying to unify the three kingdoms under one ruler which came to naught of course.

Once we have Bernadotte at the helm, there are detailed examinations of the 1810-1812 Anglo-Swedish War, the campaign of 1812 and the many battles during the spring and summer campaigns of 1813 in Germany, concluding with the Leipzig campaign.

The book contains a staggering 110 contemporary black and white images and 40 useful maps to help navigate the reader through the narrative. The appendices are particularly useful as they include a variety of detailed orders of battle, from operations in Swedish Pomerania in 1812 and the various stages of the campaign of 1813. The orders of battle covering operations against Denmark and the campaign in Norway are something I have never seen before and opens up all sorts of wargaming possibilities, even more so when one factors in the often overlooked contribution of the British on land and sea between 1810 and 1814.

I have to say that The Northern Coalition Against Napoleon is a must-read for enthusiasts of North European military history and the Napoleonic Wars. As someone with a significant interest in the Swedish army during the Napoleonic Wars the focus on Sweden is most welcome, with, to me at least, much new information. The writing style and thorough research make this book not just informative but enjoyable, offering as it does a fresh perspective on a key period in history.

ISBN 978-1-804517-09-3 487 pages. Paperback


Next up is the latest Quintin Barry book covering the Republican phase of the Franco-Prussian War.

The Campaign on the Loire’ by Quintin Barry is No. 49 in Helion’s ‘from Reason to Revolution 1721-1815’ series. After the author’s earlier and excellent four volumes on the Imperial stage of the war I was really looking forward to reading it. The book is a meticulously researched account of the military operations along the Loire River during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871. Barry's expertise in military history is again apparent as he delves into the intricacies of this lesser-known campaign, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the strategies, battles, and key figures involved.

For me, perhaps the standout feature of this book (one of many) is Barry's ability to present the complexities of military maneouvers in an easy-to-follow manner, and he is adept in balancing detailed battle descriptions with broader strategic analyses, allowing readers, me included , to grasp both the immediate actions on the ground and their larger implications within the overarching context of the war. By doing so he ensures that both military enthusiasts and general readers can appreciate the narrative without feeling overwhelmed.

As ever I am always drawn to the human side of conflict and he excels in bringing to life the personalities of the commanders and soldiers on both sides of the conflict. He introduces vivid anecdotes and well-chosen quotations, in doing so humanising the historical figures, and providing insight into their motivations, challenges, and decisions. I like this approach as it adds depth to the military history, making it not just a study of tactics and outcomes but also a reflection on leadership and the human aspects of the conflict.

The book contains 15 detailed colour maps and 71 black and white illustrations that complement the text, and allow readers to follow the movements discussed and appreciate the terrain being fought over.

In summary, ‘The Campaign on the Loire’ is a tremendous piece of work that sheds much needed light on a key yet often overlooked aspect of the Franco-Prussian War. Quintin Barry's thorough research, engaging narrative style, and insightful analysis make this book a valuable addition to the library of anyone interested in military history or the complexities of nineteenth century European conflicts. I for one am looking forward in hope the Mr Barry will continue his examination of the Franco-Prussian War and the ‘Republican’ phase.

ISBN 978-1-804517-82-6 Hardback 268 pages

Happy New Year

Many of my friends, my step kids and extended family in Bangalore, Mumbai and Poona are Parsi, and today is their new year, so Nauraz Mubarak to everyone. They are a shrinking community not just in India but worldwide, which is sad. Read about possibly the world’s oldest religion here. I find it fascinating. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroastrianism

 

Perry Bavarians 1866-71

 

A box of the new Bavarians arrived yesterday. I shall be assembling them with the peaked forage cap as they are intended for use in the 1866 campaign; I already have a division of 1870 Bavarians in helmets plus supports.

Of course I still haven’t stuck together the plastic Prussians from a couple of years ago, or the plastic French! 

The Bavarians do look rather nice but they are at the back of the queue at the moment.

Pavia Refight - well, everyone else has done it! ……or almost.

Somewhat delayed but better late than never, we were planning to game the battle of Pavia on Saturday using the scenario from the soon-to-be released book from Helion. 

I actually struggled to field the right number of miniatures and it seems I am sadly lacking in Landsknechts; indeed I had to draft in some Swiss to take their place. (Note to self: quick order to Warlord for their Landsknecht army deal which should be enough).

The view from the walls of Pavia. Katherine Spawtza asleep.

The rearmost French camp, close to the siege lines. A large body of Swiss getting ready.

Trouble in the streets of Pavia.

Jamming on the rooftops 

French camp again.

More Swiss much closer to the Imperialist army.

King Francis and his gendarmes muster by the other French encampment.

The gendarmes, supported by the Black Band and some French pikemen and crossbowmen.

Imperial light cavalry and men-at-arms.

The Mirabello Tower and massed elite Spanish and Neapolitan arquebusiers. Behind them are four landsknecht pike blocks (although I’ve had to substitute some of them with Swiss as I don’t have enough landsknechts, something I never thought would say!)

Sadly events overtook me as my wife is not well again and we have some serious legal stuff to sort through in advance of a meeting with the CEO of the hospital that nearly killed her in 2022. It has taken two superficial investigations, the involvement of the Ombudsman and the Care Quality Commission to get to where we are now. 

I will leave the game set up and will see about playing it  at a later date. I might even have the extra landsknechts done by then! 

Italian Wars Parade ( a bit late) for 500th Anniversary of Pavia

I thought I’d dig out the collection to do a load of repairs on pikes, banners and lances that have become detached. Ideal excuse for a parade as well, especially as I shall be running an Italian Wars game a week on Saturday. 

They’re slightly mixed up but I’ve tried to lay them out by army, but in no particular order. Click on the pictures to embiggen them.

Imperial Landsknechts. I need another unit.

Various Venetian types.

Florentines in the front. 

Spanish and Neapolitan men at arms.

I probably have enough now, although I do have some more Italian infantry and some Scots Archers of the Guard that really should be finished off.

Science of Arms Volume 2 - A Review

I hope nobody is getting tired of these book reviews but I'm not up to doing much else this week and I did have quite a few to clear off my desk. 

Science of Arms Volume 2 - The Art of War in the Century of the Soldier 1672-1699 by Stephen M. Carter is a solid continuation of his exploration into the mechanics and philosophy behind the art of war during the period, this time focussing on the cavalry, artillery and the actual conduct of war. If you’re into breaking down techniques and really getting into the nitty-gritty of how things work, this one delivers. It’s clear the author knows his stuff, and he presents it in a way that’s informative without being overwhelming.

There’s a lot of great content here for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of military matters during this period, especially the more technical aspects. The book avoids getting bogged down in unnecessary jargon, which is nice, and the insights feel like they come from someone who’s genuinely passionate about the subject. The book definitely leans more towards the practical side of things, so you’re not getting a lot of fluff.

I would say that this book is a good pick if you're looking to enhance your own practice or just want a fresh perspective on familiar techniques. It may not be the easiest read if you're just starting out, but if you've got a bit of experience, this will definitely give you something to think about.

The book is packed full of contemporary black and white illustrations, maps, charts and diagrams. The latter caught my eye as being useful in understanding how troops moved, deployed and camped, and I am always drawn to reproductions of old maps.

Eating the elephant in lots of small bites is always the best way to cover such a complex subject, and each operational aspect of the cavalry and artillery is broken down; for example sections on the ‘cavalry regiment’, the ‘cavalry company’, ‘squadron exercises’, ‘combat exercises’ and ‘maxims for the cavalry’. The same (more or less) sub-headings are also applied to the artillery.

Chapter 6 covers the Conduct of War, a very broad subject but once again broken down into bite-sized chunks, and is very much in a ‘how to’ vein, such as command of the army, and maxims on moving and lodging the army, and on forcing passages, defensive marches, guarding places, offensive marches and of course giving battle.

Overall, Science of Arms Volume 2 is meticulously researched using a wide range of primary and secondary sources, and is well written. Definitely worth a read if you're into this period and subject and want to dig a little deeper into what is a fascinating subject.

ISBN 978-1-804511-97-8. 358 pages, softback

Century of the Soldier 1618-1721, No 123